Let’s take a look at the performance of British drivers in Canada in recent years. Lewis Hamilton has emerged victorious in the Canadian Grand Prix on seven previous occasions.
Bookmakers are not predicting an eighth triumph on June 9, but they do offer enticing bonuses. It has been five years since the former world champion last claimed victory in this race. That win marked the fourth time in five years that he stood atop the podium, celebrating with champagne.
Sebastian Vettel started the race in pole position, with Hamilton in second place on the grid. Lando Norris, driving for McLaren, had a disappointing eighth-place starting position. George Russell, still representing Williams at the time, was eliminated in Q1 and finished 16th in the race.
Although Lewis Hamilton emerged as the winner of the 2019 Canadian Grand Prix, his victory was shrouded in controversy. The race holds unpleasant memories for Lando Norris, who was forced to retire while in eighth position on lap nine. His McLaren suffered a broken right-rear suspension, but how did that happen?
It was later revealed that the brakes of his McLaren had overheated, causing a fire that damaged the suspension. Norris will be hoping to avoid a similar incident in June.
At various points in the race, Vettel, Leclerc, and Hamilton all took turns leading. Hamilton, despite nearly colliding with the outside wall on lap 48 as Vettel’s Ferrari re-entered the track after a stint on the grass, ultimately emerged as the winner.
Vettel received a five-second penalty for his actions. Although he finished ahead, his lead over Hamilton was only 1.3 seconds, resulting in the British driver being declared the winner. Vettel was far from pleased with the outcome.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian Grand Prix did not take place for the following two years. In 2022, the F1 circus returned, with Red Bull now dominating instead of Mercedes. Max Verstappen led the drivers’ championship, holding a 21-point advantage over teammate Sergio Perez.
British drivers had mixed results in qualifying. Lando Norris failed to set a time and was eliminated in Q2. Lewis Hamilton qualified in fourth place, while George Russell found himself in eighth.
Russell took a gamble by opting for slick tires on his final attempt in Q3, but it did not pay off. As he drove through a puddle at turn 2, his Mercedes spun out and hit the wall. Although he was able to continue, his hopes of securing pole position were dashed.
The race saw Verstappen once again emerge as the victor, finishing ahead of Carlos Sainz Jr.’s Ferrari. Mercedes had a strong showing (something they would hope to replicate in June), with Hamilton finishing in third place and Russell in fourth.
Hamilton encountered early troubles when Kevin Magnussen’s Haas made contact with his car, but fortunately, the damage was not severe. Lando Norris finished 15th and received a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane.
Last year witnessed another victory for Verstappen, who arrived in Canada with a commanding 53-point advantage at the pinnacle of the standings. With Red Bull holding a substantial 135-point lead over Mercedes in the constructors’ championship, bookmakers were offering favorable odds on Verstappen securing yet another triumph.
Verstappen displayed his swiftness in the initial qualifying session (Q1), but the subsequent rainfall disrupted the remainder of the qualifying rounds. Hamilton secured the fourth fastest time in Q3, edging out George Russell by one position, while Norris settled for eighth place. However, both Hamilton and Russell were granted a promotion after Nico Hulkenberg incurred a three-place penalty due to a violation during a red flag incident.
During Sunday’s race, Hamilton exerted maximum effort to overtake Verstappen, who had claimed pole position in qualifying. Ultimately, Hamilton settled for third place, trailing behind Verstappen. This victory marked the 100th Grand Prix triumph for Red Bull.
Despite colliding with the wall at turn nine, resulting in significant damage to his Mercedes’ front wing, George Russell valiantly secured fourth place.
Lando Norris faced additional complications as he received a five-second penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. He had decelerated while a safety car period was still in effect.
Will the British drivers fare better in the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix in June? Norris has encountered a series of misfortunes in previous races but appears to possess the greatest potential for a podium finish.
Bookmakers remain resolute in their belief that Verstappen will secure a third consecutive victory in Canada, although it is hoped that the British drivers will provide a formidable challenge.