The ninth race on the Formula 1 schedule for 2024 will see the action move back to North America, with the Circuit Giles Villeneuve playing host to the Canadian Grand Prix. The pressure will be mounting on Red Bull after a disappointing weekend in Monaco, but can Max Verstappen respond in Canada this weekend?
Race Details & Records
The Canadian Grand Prix was first held in 1961, before it officially joined the F1 schedule in 1967. It has been staged at its current home at the Circuit Giles Villeneuve since 1978, with the field completing a total race distance of 305.270 km.
Each lap at the circuit covers 4.361 km, meaning that 70 laps will be completed this weekend. Lewis Hamilton has won the Canadian Grand Prix on seven occasions, which is a joint-record alongside Michael Schumacher. Ferrari is the dominant constructor with 14 victories.
Latest Odds
Unsurprisingly, Max Verstappen is the pre-race favourite at BetXchange, with the Dutchman priced up at 1/2. Charles Leclerc will still be riding the high of his home race win in Monaco, and he is second favourite in the betting at 29/5.
A return to a traditional track will likely aid McLaren’s bid for success this weekend, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri priced up at 59/9 and 33/2, respectively. Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez are the next drivers in the betting at 55/2 and 89/2, respectively.
Verstappen Hoping For Return To Winning Ways
It has already been a busy week off the track for Red Bull, with Sergio Perez handed a new two-year deal. However, all eyes will be on Max Verstappen this weekend, as the race for the championship is showing signs of heating up.
The Dutchman could only finish sixth in the Monaco Grand Prix a few weeks back, marking the second time already this term that he has failed to land a victory. But, his chances of a return to winning ways will certainly be boosted based on the fact that he was commanding winner in Montreal last year.
Ferrari and McLaren Lead Chasing Pack
It was a welcome sight in Monaco for Ferrari fans in the previous round, as Charles Leclerc finally got to stand on the top step of the podium in his home race. The victory reignited Ferrari’s hopes of a championship bid this year, and they could follow up in Montreal. Carlos Sainz continues to be quizzed surrounding his long-term future, but with a move to Red Bull off the cards, it’s likely that he will agree a deal with either Williams or Audi.
Piastri finished second in Monaco in the previous round to continue his consistent start to the season. Meanwhile, Lando Norris followed back back-to-back podiums with a fourth on the streets of Monaco. A return to a more conventional track this weekend will suit the McLaren, and confidence could be high when it comes to getting at least one car on the podium.
Canadian Grand Prix Prediction
The battle in qualifying will make for captivating viewing this weekend, with three potential teams in the race for pole. However, we could see McLaren enjoying an excellent weekend, with Norris landing a second race win, and Piastri also finishing on the podium.
Pick: Lando Norris at 59/9 with BetXchange.
Pick: Oscar Piastri to finish on the podium at 4/3 with BetXchange.
