2025 Formula One Race Preview - Canadian Grand Prix: Can Piastri win his first ever Montreal trophy? June 10, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix is scheduled for June 15 at the iconic Gilles Villeneuve Circuit in Montreal, where drivers will compete over 70 laps of the 4.361-kilometer track.

Race Overview and Circuit Characteristics

Starting at 7:00 PM BST, this event marks the tenth round of the 2025 Formula 1 season. Situated on a man-made island in the Saint Lawrence River, just minutes from downtown Montreal, the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is famous for its blend of high-speed straights, medium-speed chicanes, and demanding heavy braking zones - most notably the infamous Wall of Champions at Turn 14. This tricky final chicane demands exacting skill, having caught out renowned drivers like Jacques Villeneuve, Michael Schumacher, and Damon Hill over the years.

The circuit layout encourages exciting overtaking, particularly near the end of the lap where Turn 13 and the tight right-left chicane at Turn 14 offer prime battles before the main straight. With long straights, chicanes, and a sharp hairpin, cars require powerful engines and excellent braking to perform at their best.

Weather and Race Conditions

June weather in Montreal can be variable, but the current forecast for race weekend calls for partly cloudy skies with only a minimal 3% chance of rain and temperatures hovering between 68-70°F (20-21°C). Given Canada's unpredictable history with wet races causing strategic twists, this likely dry weather should allow for steady lap times and well-timed pit strategies.

2025 Canadian Grand Prix Sports Bet Odds

Oscar Piastri is the favorite to win the Canadian Grand Prix. Here are our latest odds:

• Oscar Piastri is favored to win outright at 225 odds, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are at 2.75 and 5.00, respectively.
• McLaren is favored as the winning car at 1.33 odds, followed by Red Bull at 4.50 and Ferrari at 9.00 odds.
• McLaren is also favored to set the fastest lap at 1.30 odds, followed by Red Bull at 5.50 and Ferrari at 8.50 odds.

Drivers and Teams to Watch

McLaren arrives in Montreal as the dominant force of the season, with Oscar Piastri leading the Drivers' Championship closely pursued by teammate Lando Norris, both eager to extend their advantage. The team also commands a solid lead in the Constructors' Championship due to recent strong performances.

Max Verstappen remains a top contender but faces pressure following a controversial Spanish Grand Prix and must steer clear of penalties that could jeopardize his weekend. Mercedes is expected to pose a serious challenge, benefiting from cooler conditions and a track suited to their car's strengths, fighting to keep pace with McLaren and Ferrari.

Lance Stroll's status is uncertain due to wrist surgery, which could affect Aston Martin's strategies at their home race.

Atmosphere and Fan Experience

During race week, Montreal transforms into a vibrant F1 hub, with passionate local fans creating a lively and electric atmosphere. Spectators with tickets have access to reserved grandstands at key corners, including the hairpin, offering excellent vantage points for thrilling overtaking and pivotal moments.

Key Highlights

• Gilles-Villeneuve is a fast, low-downforce track with notable technical challenges.
• The Wall of Champions at Turn 14 remains a decisive and iconic corner.
• McLaren leads both championships, with strong drivers Piastri and Norris.
• Favorable dry weather is predicted, though conditions can change quickly.

This year's Canadian Grand Prix promises intense on-track action framed by scenic surroundings, passionate spectators, and one of the most engaging stops on the 2025 Formula 1 calendar.

2024 Formula One Driver Standings

#	DRIVER	NATIONALITY	CAR	POINTS
1	Oscar Piastri	AUS	McLaren Mercedes	186
2	Lando Norris	GBR	McLaren Mercedes	176
3	Max Verstappen	NED	Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT	137
4	George Russell	GBR	Mercedes	111
5	Charles Leclerc	MON	Ferrari	94
6	Lewis Hamilton	GBR	Ferrari	71
7	Kimi Antonelli	ITA	Mercedes	48
8	Alexander Albon	THA	Williams Mercedes	42
9	Isack Hadjar	FRA	Racing Bulls Honda RBPT	21
10	Esteban Ocon	FRA	Haas Ferrari	20
11	Nico Hulkenberg	GER	Kick Sauber Ferrari	16
12	Lance Stroll	CAN	Aston Martin Aramco Mercedes	14
13	Carlos Sainz	ESP	Williams Mercedes	12
14	Pierre Gasly	FRA	Alpine Renault	11
15	Yuki Tsunoda	JPN	Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT	10
16	Oliver Bearman	GBR	Haas Ferrari	6
17	Liam Lawson	NZL	Racing Bulls Honda RBPT	4
18	Fernando Alonso	ESP	Aston Martin Aramco Mercedes	2
19	Gabriel Bortoleto	BRA	Kick Sauber Ferrari	0
20	Jack Doohan	AUS	Alpine Renault	0
21	Franco Colapinto	ARG	Alpine Renault	0