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Tyres NorthamptonThere's new hope that 2024 will see a championship fight after Charles Leclerc's home victory in Monaco last time out.
That's not to say there is any guarantee that this year's Canada trip will be one for the ages, but there's no denying the circuit has produced some spectacular races. The annual interruption to F1's European leg is a popular Grand Prix, and the tightness of the grid that has already seen four winners from eight races means it's all to play for
Even though this Canadian GP weekend sits after a one-week break from a double-header, the news hasn't stopped for Formula 1. Yes, there's a new surface for the drivers to tackle, but expect much of the Montreal discussion to focus on the future after more pieces of the driver market puzzle dropped into place.
Sergio Perez, Max Verstappen's Red Bull teammate, extended his contract with the Milton Keynes team on a two-year deal. The Mexican has yet to win in 2024 and trails his triple-champion partner by 62 points in the standings. Nonetheless, Christian Horner has faith that Perez is the man to support Verstappen. That might prove a mistake with how close Ferrari and McLaren have got in 2024, with each team fielding two impressive drivers rather than a 'lead' for their Constructors' Championship hopes. Might Perez prove the doubters wrong at the first time of asking?
Elsewhere, Esteban Ocon and Alpine will part ways at the end of this year following the Frenchman's collision with stablemate Pierre Gasly in Monaco. There's no telling where he'll end up for 2025, but Ocon will need to show he's still worthy in one fewer session as Alpine reserve Jack Doohan takes over his car for Free Practice 1. With Carlos Sainz still the keystone driver for the 2025 seats, seeking to impress in F1's multi-million dollar musical chairs will step up in Montreal.
Despite the all-new surface, Pirelli had to gamble a little with their tyre choice for the Canadian GP, bringing the C3, C4, and C5 compounds. These are the softest trio in the Italian tyre manufacturer's range, and they'll hope the same track characteristics remain. If not, the teams will have to contend with graining and tyre conservation should the new asphalt have a higher abrasiveness than before.
Although surrounded by strips of grass and nature, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is still a street circuit, albeit one unused by road traffic. The lap times should improve from Friday to Sunday as the drivers rubber in the surface. However, with a 50-50 chance of rain all weekend, gains might not come in 2024.
Max Verstappen and Red Bull bounced back after their Miami GP defeat to McLaren's Lando Norris by winning in Imola — but only just. The reigning champions must now look to repeat the same feat in Canada to show Charles Leclerc and Ferrari that they aren't the new ones at the top. However, that's far easier said than done.
Aside from making history as a Monegasque winning a Monaco GP, Leclerc's pole position also halted Verstappen's seven-race run of P1 qualifications. A single second regularly separates the 20 drivers in qualifying, and the Dutchman started P6 in Monte Carlo when just 0.15s would've meant a front-row start. In short, slim margins are the difference between success and struggles.
Further complicating matters is the track's resurfacing. Although re-learning the circuit's grip is the same problem for everyone, those who can get on top of the changes to the re-laid asphalt and new kerbs quickest will enjoy an advantage over their rivals. Verstappen has 'only' two wins in Montreal, so it's anyone's guess whether he, Leclerc, Sainz, or Norris will take the flag... Or whether we'll see a new 2024 victor.
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F1 fans can enjoy their weekend days a little more thanks to the primetime slots for the Canadian GP on Saturday and Sunday. The Grand Prix begins at 7 PM, with Saturday's Qualifying starting at a late 9 PM.
Qualifying – On air: 8 PM, Session start: 9 PM Saturday 8th June
Race – On air: 5:30 PM, Session start: 7 PM Sunday 9th June
Qualifying – Highlights: 1:30 AM Sunday 9th June (repeated at 8:30 AM)
Race – Highlights: 12:20 AM Monday 10th June (repeated at 9:40 AM)
Qualifying/Race – Quebec in June is as predictable as the U.K., meaning there's no telling what the weather may do. Sunday sees a 45% chance of showers in the afternoon, with Saturday telling a similar story with mild temperatures not breaching 19°C.