2026 - Race 5 (Canada)

[F1nKS]

Long waits between races. The way the season has unfolded has kind of put F1 on the back foot. The pace will pick up with the Canada race at least until the summer break.

Verstappen, though, is benefiting as he is about to take part in the Nürburgring 24-hour race.

The move to apple TV has significantly increased U.S. viewership.

Reports are that viewership in Spain and France have had significant drops in viewers.

Overall, global viewership is up.

[airshifter]

And just FYI..... and a surprising one at that.

I saw the other night that Netflix is advertising the Canadian Grand Prix will be televised live on race day. It must be a tie in with the switch to Apple TV.

[F1nKS]

And just FYI..... and a surprising one at that.

I saw the other night that Netflix is advertising the Canadian Grand Prix will be televised live on race day. It must be a tie in with the switch to Apple TV.

Thanks, I had not realized that Netflix was broadcasting the Canada race.

Evidently, Apple swapped content with Netflix. Netflix got 2026 Canada, Apple gets Season 8 of Drive to Survive. Netflix wanted to beef up its live sports options for this year.

[Nitrodaze]

oops

[Nitrodaze]

So what does Montreal have to offer us this weekend?

Firstly, all eyes are on George Russell. Canada is a must-win race for Russell. If Kimi wins it or finishes ahead of Russell, chances are he would be relegated to Number two status.

Canada was a weak track for McLaren, especially last year, so they may struggle a bit. But this is a track that suits Piastri's driving, hence he may surprise everyone with a win.

Hamilton goes well here, hence it might be a race where he reverses his recent slump. Can Ferrari win in Canada??? I don't know. But if there is a track where Ferrari can pull out a surprise win, Canada is it. The track leans towards Ferrari's cornering strengths. But the straight may be a problem for Ferrari.

A happier Verstappen means that Redbull is going to be in the mix this weekend as well. I would not be surprised if Verstappen ends up on the podium.

What is your podium predictions for the Sprint and the Main race?

[gm99]

Hamilton goes well here, hence it might be a race where he reverses his recent slump. Can Ferrari win in Canada??? I don't know. But if there is a track where Ferrari can pull out a surprise win, Canada is it. The track leans towards Ferrari's cornering strengths. But the straight may be a problem for Ferrari.

Is it really a Ferrari track? They have just won once in the past twenty years (Vettel 2018, though he should have won in 2019 as well). The last podium was with Sainz in 2022.

[Nitrodaze]

Is it really a Ferrari track? They have just won once in the past twenty years (Vettel 2018, though he should have won in 2019 as well). The last podium was with Sainz in 2022.

Ok, I did not say a Ferrari win. That is so unlikely. But a good race may put a Ferrari among the McLarens. They seem slow to win races at the moment. Mind you, it may rain during the main race. Even so, Ferrari cars are usually not great in the rain. Whatever the case, all eyes are on the Mercedes pair. It seems the gloves are off, and Russell is not playing nice anymore. But Antonelli is not intimidated by this. Hamilton-Rosberg all over again.

They are not that far ahead to be fighting each other. There is a small risk that they lose one of the titles to McLaren.

[N. Jones]

I am still not sure if the racing is better or not. There are definitely battles happening, but whether they are skill or a product of the new rules, I am still unsure.

[Whyzars]

I am still not sure if the racing is better or not. There are definitely battles happening, but whether they are skill or a product of the new rules, I am still unsure.

The first 3 cars lapped the field and would've lapped LeClerc in 4th given more time.

Something is wrong with that picture but I can't put my finger on it. Did the others stop trying?

I am usually searching for the fast forward once the pit stops are over and that sums up the 2026 season so far...

[Nitrodaze]

I am still not sure if the racing is better or not. There are definitely battles happening, but whether they are skill or a product of the new rules, I am still unsure.

Well, it was a cracking race until Russell's car conked out. For me anyway. The close battle, which was possible because of the 2026 car platform, which evidently allows very close racing, indicates that they got something right in the 2026 regulations. The ADUO would improve the racing further and make the competition for the title more hard-fought.

The last regulation change did not improve things much, in my opinion. It definitely punished Ferrari and Haas. Haas was most affected as they have drifted backwards since the changes.

It is interesting how Hamilton is thriving after dumping the Ferrari simulator while Leclerc is suffering using it. There is something going on there which might boost Ferrari if they are able to understand it and resolve it. I suppose we would see how much of a problem it is if Leclerc can bounce back in his home race at Monaco.

Monaco would be an interesting race with these smaller cars and the electric deployment, which may be more effective at this race.

McLaren embarrassed themselves with poor tyre choices. I could not work out if the Lando DNF was similar to the reasons for the Russell DNF. If it is, then it would seem Mercedes is not bulletproof afterall.