F1: Canadian Grand Prix Preview and Betting Tips

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen was penalised with three penalty points at the Spanish Grand Prix after crashing into Mercedes’ George Russell towards the end of the race.

The Red Bull driver, third in the standings, faces a one-race ban if he steps out of line and collects a penalty point at the next two races. It’s something the McLaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris will be acutely aware of, as they know Verstappen is their closest challenger.

The team’s head across the Atlantic Ocean and are set to battle at the famed Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, with 75 points separating the top four drivers. Sean Parker takes a look at what we can expect at the 54th Canadian GP this weekend.

The Track

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a unique facility that blends sections of public roads with a permanent track. It covers a distance of 4.361 km and is a challenge for drivers, with a blend of high-speed straights and tight corners. It has 14 corners – six to the left and eight to the right.

The circuit’s most well-known section is the ‘Wall of Champions’, located in the final sector. It was branded after an incident in 1999 when former champions Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve, and Michael Schumacher left their mark on it. Overtaking should be aplenty this weekend thanks to three DRS zones. Last year’s race saw close to 50 passing manoeuvres.

The track surface isn’t particularly abrasive, and Pirelli has opted to bring the three softest compounds. The weather is always a wildcard in Montreal, and fluctuating temperatures could throw a spanner in the works.

McLaren vs Red Bull Once Again?

Interestingly, McLaren is the most successful team in Canada with 12 wins, and the papaya outfit heads into the weekend as favourites. Piastri is at 2.25 to win the race, with Norris not far behind at 2.875.

The McLaren has shown it is rapid across all types of circuits this season. The MCL39 should have superior aerodynamic efficiency for the straights and mechanical grip for the corners, giving their drivers the best chance of winning this weekend. Piastri holds a 10-point lead over Norris, and it’s critical for the Briton to reduce the gap.

Further down the grid, Charles Leclerc has outperformed teammate Lewis Hamilton convincingly so far this season and has two consecutive podium finishes.  The Monegasque driver retired here last year and will look to do better this weekend.

Mercedes know that their car performs well in cooler temperatures, and they’ll be looking to Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli to challenge Verstappen, Leclerc, and Hamilton.

Williams will find the track layout favourable to their rapid car. Former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz is finding his place in the team, and Canada is a great opportunity for him to score points and help Williams climb the constructors’ standings.

Predictions

Grand Prix Winner: Lando Norris

Grand Prix Podium: Norris, Piastri, Russell

Pole Position: Norris

Top 4 and 5: Sainz, Antonelli

Race Winning Margin: Under 5 seconds

Fastest Lap: Piastri

First to Retire: Tsunoda

First car to retire: Racing Bull

Most Team Points: McLaren

Both Cars Qualify for Q3 Shootout: Williams

Practice 1/2/3 Winning Car: Norris / McLaren

Safety Car: Yes

Fastest pit stop: Ferrari