Race 10 - 2025 Le Grandprix du Canada - Circuit de Gilles-Villeneuve Montreal

[Nitrodaze]

Naughty boy Verstapenn takes to the fast circuit of the Canadian GP with one sole racing licence point separating him from a race ban. To make the race more interesting than possible, he lines up in second place on the grid behind his arch-enemy George Russel, who put out a sensational lap to claim pole at the last minute of Q3.

The race to and around the first corner of the Gilles-Villeneuve track is the most anticipated since the season began. Is Verstappen going to go for it, or will he be mindful of his sole one racing license point and the looming race ban? What is your money on?

In the warm 38 degrees Celsius temperatures of Montreal, the Mercedes cars seemed to have found some performance to edge the McLarens and Redbull of Verstappen, which seemed untouchable as Q3 progressed. Is this a one-lap wonder, or can the Mercedes of Russell sustain that performance throughout the full race distance? This remains to be seen. Even in third, the McLaren of Piastri is the favourite to win this race in my eyes.

With lots of new Medium and Hard tyres available to Hamilton in fifth, there is a good chance of him finishing on the podium, assuming the Ferrari mechanics have done a rare good job. But realistically, the popular money is on Hamilton drifting backwards as typically happens with his Ferrari.

Assuming both Russell and Verstappen make it through the first corner unscathed, this race may shake up the drivers' championship if no McLarens finish in podium positions come the end of the race. Mercedes may regain second in the constructors' championship once more. And Ferrari may be shuffled backwards to their natural position behind Redbull. That said, anything is possible in Montreal.

[Matthew]

I am really looking forward to see the what will happen between Russell and Verstappen at the first corner.

[Nitrodaze]

I am really looking forward to see the what will happen between Russell and Verstappen at the first corner.

I think if Verstappen can make it round the first corner without crashing or losing position, he can win the race from second. The Redbull appear to have a better race pace than all the front runners. It comes down to who has enough new mediums and hard tyres. And which cars cope with the graining of the tyre the best throughout the first and second pitstop stints. I doubt anyone would be able to manage a one-stop strategy, especially if the track temperature is on the high side. If the temperature rises into the 40s, I think the Mercedes would slowly drift backwards.

The start may turn out to be very entertaining by the body language of Russell.