F1 Canadian GP predictions: Contenders for the race win, a podium finish and more

The Canadian Grand Prix starts this weekend and tensions are high. 

With Max Verstappen winning the race for the last three years, will the streak continue or will someone else take the trophy?

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Madison Stoneman shares her predictions on who will be on the podium and who will be able to snatch up some points this weekend.

Who will win?

It’s now obvious that McLaren are dominating this season with no signs of slowing down. This year’s upgrades have made the team a force to be reckoned with.

Oscar Piastri is a favourite to win this weekend. The Australian driver has been consistently winning throughout the season and is even leading the Drivers’ Championship by 10 points.

He is a tough driver who isn’t afraid to make risky moves in order to move up the grid which makes him a threat to the other drivers.

Second in the championship is his team-mate, Lando Norris. He has also had a strong season so far, appearing on the podium a lot more regularly compared to previous seasons.

Fans suggest he is McLaren’s ‘number one driver’ meaning he may get better opportunities than Piastri and therefore is more likely to succeed. 

The team as a whole have been extremely powerful and it wouldn’t be too surprising if they win again this weekend.

Who will make the podium?

As stated before, McLaren are most likely to take the top step, however, who else may we see up there?

A double podium for McLaren is likely as many races this week have already had this result and both drivers have been performing to such a high standard so far.

But let’s discuss other drivers that we may see succeeding this weekend.

George Russell has had a decent run this season being fourth in the championship and appearing on the podium four times. 

Last year in Canada he qualified in pole position, which may give him confidence on the track and could maybe provide a similar result this weekend.

His consistency this year gives the impression that he may begin to perform better in upcoming races as he grows comfortable with his new teammate and his car.

The weather forecast is said to be cool which the Mercedes have shown to work well with.

Another driver we may see on the podium is Lewis Hamilton. Since moving to Ferrari, his race results haven’t been the best, yet this track is one he knows well.

Hamilton has won this race seven times in the past. He knows what he needs to do and how to execute it. 

This makes him one to watch should the car not let him down.

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Who will get points?

To begin with, let’s discuss Lance Stroll as the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is his home race. 

The Canadian driver will be returning this weekend after missing the Spanish Grand Prix due to a wrist injury. 

It was rumoured that he may not be able to race this weekend due to his recovery time as this is not his first wrist injury, but it has been confirmed he is returning for his home race. 

It would be truly inspiring if he finishes the race in the points after some time off.

Meanwhile, Alex Albon has been pushing Williams to their limits.

He has a great understanding of the car and how he can utilise it to its full potential, making it obvious this year by landing within the top 10 in every race this season except one.

Fans of the team would love for him to keep up this streak and are certain he will do them proud.

Lastly, Nico Hulkenberg is a driver that would be nice to see getting points.

He currently has 16 points in the championship, the most coming from his racing at the Spanish Grand Prix where he finished fifth.

The Kick Sauber driver isn’t usually one to look out for, always racing casually towards the back of the grid, but after his stint at the last race, it would be fantastic to see him carry on with this newfound motivation.

The Canadian GP will be shown on Sky Sports F1 at 7pm GMT on Sunday 15 June 2025.

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