Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing is set to defend his dominant run as the Formula 1 World Championship heads to Canada for a weekend packed with high stakes. After a season marked by Verstappen’s pace and Ferrari’s ups and downs, teams arrive at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve with the goal of evaluating who can challenge the reigning champion and claim podiums in a race that often shapes the championship narrative.
Ferrari entered the season with strong pace but faced early adversity as the first rounds exposed weaknesses in tire management and reliability. The Scuderia began with a display of speed in Bahrain and a solid performance in Jeddah, yet the season soon revealed fractures as on-track reliability and strategy decisions drew scrutiny. Leclerc showed flashes of championship potential, but mechanical issues and misfortunes in several Grands Prix limited his ability to convert raw speed into consistent points. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz struggled to maintain the forward momentum needed for a true title challenge, experiencing a mix of promising runs and frustrating retirements that tempered expectations. The racing saga thus far has underscored the challenge of turning speed into sustained success across a demanding calendar.
Red Bull’s form has been relentless, with multiple wins and a steady stream of strong results tightening Verstappen’s grip on the championship lead. The Dutch driver has built a comfortable gap over his rivals, and his team has shown reliability that translates into strong weekends. The fight for second place in the standings has heated up, with Leclerc searching for a return to the kind of momentum that could swing the title race. The chase includes a long-standing history at Montreal, a venue famous for its high-speed straights and the iconic Wall of Champions, which has witnessed dramatic moments in past years.
The Canadian round also serves as a measuring stick for Mercedes, who have faced challenges earlier in the season but appear to be restoring competitiveness. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton showcased potential in recent races, confirming that the team remains in the mix for podium finishes and performance improvements. The battle at the front is set against a backdrop of technical developments, updates, and the need for teams to extract peak performance on a track that rewards precision over aggression.
Verstappen’s chances at the front are paired with the performance profile of Leclerc, whose Saturdays have been particularly strong, delivering pole positions that underscore Ferrari’s race pace. The Mercedes duo, while a step behind, has demonstrated that the squad can strike back on Sundays with solid race pace. The dynamic at Montreal often features a strategic chess game involving tire choices and pit stops, where a single decision can ripple through the race result. This year’s grid promises close competition with a strong likelihood of dramatic moments across the weekend.
In the midfield, Carlos Sainz seeks to rejoin the leaders after overcoming a string of misfortunes. A resilient mindset is expected as he aims to maximize points on a track where past experiences include strong performances and notable challenges. The Spaniard’s focus centers on building confidence and consistency as the season progresses toward the European rounds and beyond. Fernando Alonso continues to demonstrate veteran poise, delivering competitive drives and maintaining pace in an Alpine car that has progressively improved its reliability and performance. Alonso’s experience remains a valuable asset as he and Esteban Ocon vie for points in the upper half of the standings.
Looking ahead to the Canadian schedule, the Friday schedule opens with practice sessions designed to shake out the setup options. Saturday brings a crucial qualifying session that will define the starting grid for the 70-lap race. Sunday’s race will test the teams’ endurance, strategy, and adaptability as they navigate Montreal’s street-like sections and long straights. The weekend’s tempo is driven by the desire to maximize both speed and consistency, with every lap offering a chance to alter the championship outlook.
Montreal’s track layout has a storied history of turning the tides in championships past. The Wall of Champions has historically been a symbol of the pressure points in the race, and this year’s event remains a focal point for teams hoping to capitalize on the circuit’s characteristics. While Verstappen looks to extend his lead, the field is keen to show that the margin can shrink on a track that rewards careful management of tire wear and strategic pit work. The Canadian Grand Prix is also a reminder of Montreal’s unique atmosphere and the global appeal of Formula 1, where fans and teams alike anticipate every session with enthusiasm.
Spaniards will continue to develop
Carlos Sainz arrives in Canada with the aim of reclaiming momentum and returning to the front of the pack after a difficult period in which reliability issues slowed his progress. The driver remains confident that the season holds many opportunities, and a strong performance at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve could reignite his title aspirations. The ongoing challenge is to convert speed into consistent results across the calendar, a task that demands calm, focus, and precise execution in every session.
In Madrid, the outlook remains optimistic as Sainz reflects on the season’s early misfortune. The driver’s determination is clear as he targets a major performance at a circuit where he previously performed well with Renault, signaling a potential return to form with renewed energy and focus.
Fernando Alonso’s continued evolution has been a highlight, with a string of solid finishes illustrating that age has not diminished his competitive edge. The Alpine driver has shown reliability and pace, keeping him in contention for points and contributing to the team’s ongoing development. Esteban Ocon, a former world champion, will be focused on a return to the Top 10 and a strong showing at Gilles Villeneuve, a circuit that has produced memorable moments in his career and remains a proving ground for his ongoing collaboration with Alpine.
Program F1 GP Canada 2022
Friday, June 17
-
Free practice 1: 20:00 – 21:00 (CET)
-
Free practice 2: 23:00 – 12:00 (CET)
Saturday, June 18
-
Free practice 3: 19:00 – 20:00 (CET)
-
Classification: 22:00 – 23:00 (CET)
Sunday, June 19
-
Race: 20:00 (CET) (70 laps)
Where can I watch the Formula 1 Canadian GP?
Live coverage is available on DAZN and SPORT. Movistar+ subscribers can access DAZN F1 via the DAZN F1 channel to follow every session and the race live. The event is broadcast with comprehensive programming to keep fans engaged through every moment of the weekend.