After a demanding triple-header concluded with a dramatic, and at times controversial, finish in Spain, Formula 1 takes a brief pause before heading back to North America for the 2025 Canadian GP.
The teams and drivers arrive at the 2025 Canadian GP in Montreal with plenty of lingering questions and compelling storylines set to unfold at the iconic Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. This race is a fan and driver favorite, known for its action-packed layout along the banks of the St. Lawrence Seaway, featuring wide corners and long straights that promote overtaking.
Here are five key storylines to follow as the F1 paddock arrives at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix:
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The McLaren Driver Battle Rages On
The fight at the very top of the Drivers’ Championship remains incredibly tight, dominated by the McLaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Piastri currently leads the standings after his victory in the Spanish Grand Prix, his fifth win of the season. That win extended his lead over teammate Lando Norris to 10 points. Norris had previously closed the gap to just three points with a win in Monaco. While the team has managed to keep their rivalry on track so far, the intensity is palpable as they approach the midpoint of the season. McLaren appears to be the class of the field in the Constructors’ Championship, holding a massive 197-point advantage over second place. As the title fight looks increasingly like a duel between these two, every race, including the Canadian GP, becomes vital.
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Verstappen Walks a Super License Tightrope
Reigning champion Max Verstappen faces a precarious situation heading into Montreal. His race in Spain ended poorly after a late Safety Car hindered his strategy, leading to a controversial collision with George Russell. The incident resulted in a 10-second penalty in the race and, crucially, a three-point penalty on his FIA Super License. This pushed Verstappen’s total to 11 penalty points, just one point shy of the automatic race ban threshold. Points on that license don’t expire until the end of the month, meaning he must get through both the Canadian and Austrian Grands Prix without receiving any further penalty points. Despite this pressure, Verstappen has a strong record at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, having won the last three Canadian GPs.
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Mercedes Looks to Rebound at 2025 Canadian Grand Prix
After a challenging triple-header that included a particularly disappointing Monaco weekend, Mercedes is under pressure to perform better at the 2025 Canadian GP. Both their cars failed to reach Q3 in Monaco, and George Russell received a penalty during the race in Spain. Despite this, Mercedes holds onto third place in the Constructors’ standings, just behind Ferrari. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, with its smoother surface and high-speed sections, has historically suited Mercedes, particularly in cooler temperatures. George Russell even secured pole position there last year. Forecasters predict warm weather, but the track layout still offers Mercedes a chance to potentially challenge at the front and claw back ground after slipping behind Ferrari in Spain.
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Will Lance Stroll Be Healthy to Race at His Home Canadian GP?
A significant question mark hangs over the participation of Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll in his home race. Stroll withdrew from the Spanish Grand Prix due to pain in his right hand and wrist. Aston Martin believes this discomfort relates to a procedure he underwent following a cycling accident before the 2023 season. Stroll has shown remarkable determination to race through pain before, as seen in Bahrain in 2023. However, his status for this week remains uncertain. If Stroll cannot compete, it’s a big problem for Aston Martin’s reserve options because Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne are slated to drive in the 24 Hours of Le Mans1, which conflicts with the Canadian Grand Prix. The team’s chief, Mike Krack, stated that “Plan A” is for Stroll to race, but conceded the situation is day-to-day.
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Circuit Gilles Villeneuve: A Recipe for Drama
Regardless of the specific storylines this race week, the track itself promises a more exciting race for F1 fans The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is renowned for its unique character, blending long straights into demanding chicanes and the infamous Turn 10 hairpin. Overtaking opportunities are plentiful at corners like Turn 1, the hairpin, and the final chicane leading to the “Wall of Champions”. The proximity of concrete barriers means that even small mistakes are heavily penalized, keeping drivers on edge and adding to the potential for drama. Last year’s race took place under challenging conditions (rain) and featured a thrilling finish, with multiple cars sprinting for the win. Add in the vibrant atmosphere of Montreal embracing the race weekend, and you have all the ingredients for an unforgettable Grand Prix.
The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix arrives with multiple compelling storylines, from the intense championship fight at the top to the challenges faced by drivers and teams, all set against the backdrop of a circuit known for delivering unpredictable and close races.
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