Kaylee Countryman produced her strongest performance so far in F1 Academy after claiming a top-eight Qualifying finish at the 2026 Canadian GP in Montreal. The Haas driver adapted impressively to the constantly evolving conditions and placed herself in a competitive position for all three races across the weekend.
In addition, the American rookie secured reverse-grid pole for Saturday’s Opening Race, creating another important milestone in only her second appearance in the series. Following a challenging debut weekend in Shanghai, Countryman arrived in Canada with renewed confidence, a calmer mindset and a stronger understanding of both the car and her own capabilities.
The encouraging Qualifying display also underlined the progress she has already made in a short space of time. While Shanghai exposed the steep learning curve facing rookies in F1 Academy, Montreal offered evidence that Countryman has started to settle into the championship environment much more comfortably.
Countryman handles rapidly changing track conditions to put in strong Qualifying performance over the 2026 Canadian GP weekend
Track evolution became one of the biggest talking points during Qualifying, particularly after Formula 1 and Formula 2 sessions dramatically improved grip levels around the circuit. Nevertheless, Countryman adapted quickly and steadily improved her pace throughout the session as confidence in the car continued to build.
Reflecting on the changing conditions, she said: “It was great. In the beginning, the track was quite different from how it felt in Free Practice earlier today. We were the first ones on track, so it was very dusty and dirty. After F1 and F2 went out, then there was definitely a noticeable change in grip.”
The Haas-backed driver also explained how quickly the tyres reached operating temperature and how she gradually extracted more performance as the session unfolded.
“It was pretty much on from the start, the tyres came in really quickly. The time I set in the beginning wasn’t bad by any means but I felt there was more in the tank. I started to make a few mistakes in the session unfortunately and then towards the end, I finally put the lap together.”
As a result, Countryman secured eighth overall in Qualifying and ninth on her second-fastest lap, leaving her strongly positioned to challenge for valuable championship points across the weekend.
Furthermore, the session highlighted her growing confidence behind the wheel. Rather than forcing lap times early in the session, she built momentum gradually and trusted her pace as conditions improved around the Montreal circuit.
Mental approach sparks significant improvement
Compared with her opening weekend in Shanghai, Countryman appeared far more composed and relaxed throughout Qualifying in Montreal. Although she experienced frustrations earlier in the season, she credited a change in mentality as the key factor behind her improved performance.
Discussing the contrast between the two race weekends, she explained: “Compared to Shanghai, we stopped on track. Unfortunately, I did something which caused a little bit of an electrical issue, so that caused the Red Flag which deleted the fastest lap. In Shanghai, I think I had the pressure get to me a little more, which isn’t what we want. We do it because it’s fun, so I should have kept that in mind looking back at Shanghai.”
Her comments reflected a more mature and measured outlook heading into Montreal. Instead of focusing on outside expectations or comparing herself to rivals, Countryman concentrated solely on maximising her own performance.
“Looking to here now, it was definitely quite a big jump. The biggest thing that changed though was mental. In Shanghai, I was feel the pressure a little bit, but here I didn’t really think about anybody else whilst I was out there.”
The American also stressed the importance of balancing self-criticism with self-belief, especially when analysing performance data between sessions.
“I was just telling myself where I have the pace to be. Looking at the data, take the negatives but you accept the positives as well, so just believe in yourself a little bit more — that was the main difference.”
That more positive mentality appeared to translate directly into stronger on-track execution. Consequently, Countryman looked more decisive through the corners and more comfortable pushing the car closer to its limits.
F1 Academy reverse grid pole creates major opportunity for Countryman on Saturday at the 2026 Canadian GP
Countryman’s eighth-place Qualifying result also handed her pole position for the reverse-grid race, giving the Haas driver an exciting opportunity to fight at the front of the field for the first time in F1 Academy competition.
Although she enters unfamiliar territory with a front-row standing start, the American remains eager to embrace the challenge and gain as much experience as possible from running at the front.
Looking ahead to the race, she said: “I’m excited! I haven’t started on pole for a standing start like this, so I’ll need to take some tips from maybe Alisha (Palmowski) as she’s going to start on pole. Learn as much as I can when I’m out there, come out of Turn 1 leading and then keep my head down.”
At the same time, she believes there is still untapped pace available despite her already impressive Qualifying effort.
“Even when I was out there in Qualifying, I could feel where I could push a little bit more. I’m a bit sad I didn’t maximise it at the time, but in the race I know what we can look forward to.”
That confidence could prove crucial during the races, especially on a demanding circuit where overtaking opportunities and tyre management often shape the final outcome.
Momentum building for the Haas-backed rookie
Countryman’s performance in Montreal highlighted not only her increasing confidence but also her ability to adapt quickly under pressure in one of motorsport’s most competitive junior categories. After enduring a difficult start to the season in Shanghai, the American responded positively and delivered a much more assured performance in Canada.
Importantly, the weekend also showed how quickly young drivers can evolve once they gain experience and begin trusting their instincts behind the wheel. Countryman looked calmer throughout Qualifying, handled the changing conditions effectively and consistently improved as the session progressed.
Consequently, the Haas-backed driver heads into the remainder of the Montreal weekend carrying genuine momentum, growing belief and a realistic opportunity to secure the strongest result of her F1 Academy season so far.
