Formula 1: What to expect from Canadian GP 2023

Despite the monotonous nature of the 2023 F1 season, Montreal always throws up plenty of surprises to savour.

As Formula One makes its way to North America for the Canadian GP 2023, all eyes are on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montréal for what promises to be an exhilarating race. With Red Bull's dominance throughout the season, other teams are eager to challenge their supremacy and shake up the championship standings.

Aston Martin are preparing to introduce a significant upgrade, Mercedes have shown promising performance, rain at the doorstep and Pirelli's tire allocation aim to inject more excitement into the races. The Canadian GP 2023 is set to deliver a thrilling chapter in the Formula One World Championship.

Red Bull's Winning Streak

Red Bull Racing has been on a winning streak, clinching victory in every race this season. Reigning champion Max Verstappen leads the Drivers' standings with a comfortable 53-point lead over his teammate Sergio Pérez. Red Bull's dominance extends to the Constructors' Championship, where they enjoy a substantial lead.

The Canadian Grand Prix provides an opportunity for rival teams to challenge Red Bull's supremacy and introduce a new level of competition. In terms of the Constructors' Championship, Red Bull holds the top position with a total of 287 points, showcasing their dominance.

Aston Martin's Upgrades

Aston Martin is heading into the Canadian Grand Prix with optimism, as they are preparing to unveil their most significant upgrade of the year. The team is quietly confident that these enhancements will help bridge the gap to Red Bull and potentially disrupt the established pecking order.

With Fernando Alonso currently in third place in the Drivers' standings, Aston Martin currently trail behind with 134 points, but they remain in contention for a higher position in the standings and challenge the dominant Red Bull team.

Mercedes' Resurgence

However, a strong performance from Mercedes in the previous race resulted in a double podium finish and propelled them to second place with 152 points, surprising fans and competitors alike. Their new car, featuring sidepods and a new floor, displayed an impressive pace and raised hopes for a resurgence of the German team.

As Mercedes heads to Montréal, they aim to build on their momentum and establish themselves as the primary challenger to Red Bull. The challenging layout of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, emphasizing straight-line speed and brake stress, provides an opportunity for Mercedes to demonstrate their progress.

Pirelli's Tire Allocation

In a bid to add more excitement and strategic variability to the races, Pirelli has made an interesting decision regarding tire allocation for the F1 Canadian GP 2023. They have opted for a step-softer tire compound, aiming to increase the number of pit stops and enhance the racing spectacle. This change introduces an additional layer of unpredictability to the race, as teams and drivers adapt to the new tire behavior and push their limits in the pursuit of victory.

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Challenge

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a unique blend of permanent and street circuits, offering a challenging layout for the drivers. With its short straights punctuated by chicanes in the first two sectors, followed by the famous tight hairpin and a long back straight leading to the infamous 'Wall of Champions' chicane, the track tests both straight-line speed and braking abilities.

The proximity of the walls adds an extra dimension of difficulty, increasing the pressure on the drivers to navigate the circuit flawlessly. The Canadian Grand Prix at this iconic circuit has always produced thrilling races, and fans can expect more wheel-to-wheel battles and nail-biting moments in this edition. Overall, the circuit presents a formidable challenge for drivers, requiring a balance between speed and precise braking maneuvers.

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve offers opportunities for overtaking, although the nature of the track makes it challenging to gain an advantage over the car ahead. With its relatively short lap distance and minimal speed differentials, executing successful overtakes can be tricky.

On average, there have been around 27 passes per race in the last three events, excluding instances such as Safety Car restarts, red flag restarts, and race starts. The most commonly utilized passing zone is the long straight following Turn 12. Drivers will need to strategize and seize the right moments to make their moves and improve their positions during the Canadian Grand Prix.

Race Interruptions

Race interruptions have been a part of the Canadian GP in recent years, adding an additional layer of unpredictability to the event. Red flags have been rare since the infamous 2011 Canadian Grand Prix, but Safety Cars have made frequent appearances, with five instances occurring since 2014. The introduction of the Virtual Safety Car (VSC) in 2015 has provided race officials with a tool to manage on-track incidents. The VSC has been deployed four times during the Canadian Grand Prix, allowing for controlled speeds and ensuring the safety of drivers and track officials.

Early Weather Forecast

Weather forecasts indicate a 60% chance of rain on Friday and Saturday at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. This raises the possibility of having a wet qualifying session for the second consecutive year. While last year's race took place under dry conditions, there is a 40% chance of rain during the race itself, adding an element of unpredictability. Teams and drivers must closely monitor the evolving weather conditions as they prepare their strategies for the race.

It is important to note that the weather forecast can change as the race approaches. Therefore, teams and drivers need to stay vigilant and adapt their plans accordingly to make the most out of the ever-changing conditions.