F1 Canadian GP - Race Tips & Predictions As Russell On Pole

With qualifying and the sprint race now complete in Montreal, here are our F1 Canadian GP race tips & predictions ahead of Sunday’s main event at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Canada has already delivered plenty of drama this weekend, and all signs point towards another thrilling race in Montreal.

Mercedes have looked untouchable so far, with George Russell converting his superb sprint qualifying form into full Grand Prix pole on Saturday.

The Brit edged teammate Kimi Antonelli once again in a tightly contested qualifying session, securing pole with a blistering lap of 1:12.578 as the Silver Arrows locked out the front row for the second time this weekend.

Russell then backed up that pace with victory in the sprint race, leading home McLaren’s Lando Norris and Antonelli after an assured and controlled drive at the front.

McLaren continue to look like Mercedes’ closest challengers, with Norris and Oscar Piastri both showing strong race pace throughout the sprint, while Ferrari remain in the hunt after solid performances from Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

Further back, Red Bull endured another frustrating day. Max Verstappen could only finish seventh in the sprint after struggling for pace, while teammate Isack Hadjar dropped out of contention late on after multiple issues.

Looking ahead to Sunday, Mercedes are deserved favourites with most UK betting sites after dominating both qualifying and the sprint race in Montreal.

F1 Canadian GP Race Predictions

Based on everything we have seen this weekend, Mercedes are clearly the team to beat.

Russell has looked supremely confident from the very first lap in Canada and appears completely at ease.

The Brit has always excelled here, and his pace over both one lap and long runs has been comfortably the strongest in the field.

Antonelli also continues to impress. The Italian pushed Russell hard in both qualifying sessions and showed excellent race pace in the sprint, though will have to watch his emotions don't get the better of him after tangling with his teammate in the sprint.

McLaren should still provide a serious threat, particularly through Norris. The reigning world champion stayed within touching distance of Russell throughout the sprint and could apply significant pressure if strategy or safety cars come into play.

Ferrari may also enter the equation if the race becomes chaotic. Hamilton and Leclerc both demonstrated encouraging pace during the sprint and remain well-positioned inside the top eight on the grid.

However, unless conditions change dramatically, it's difficult to look beyond Mercedes for victory.

F1 Canadian GP Race Tips

Below, we have picked out three of our best tips for the Canadian Grand Prix.

All odds taken from Betnero at 11:00 UK time on Sunday, 24 May 2026.

Canadian Grand Prix Race Winner - George Russell - 2.10

First up, we are backing George Russell to complete a perfect weekend in Montreal by converting pole position into Grand Prix victory.

The Mercedes driver has been the standout performer throughout the weekend and looked completely in control during Saturday’s sprint race victory.

Russell’s confidence around Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is obvious, and with Mercedes showing the strongest overall package across both qualifying and race trim, he fully deserves his status as favourite.

Top Three Finishing Order - Russell, Antonelli, Norris - 7.00

Next, we are backing an exact top-three finishing order of Russell first, Antonelli second and Norris third.

Mercedes have consistently looked quicker than the rest of the field throughout the weekend, and both drivers demonstrated excellent tyre management and race pace during the sprint.

Meanwhile, Norris still looks like McLaren’s strongest hope of splitting the Silver Arrows.

Given the pace advantage Mercedes currently appear to hold, a one-two finish looks likely.

First Driver Retirement - Lance Stroll - 10.25

Finally, Lance Stroll is our pick to be the first driver to retire, after a difficult home race weekend so far for the Canadian.

Stroll starts near the back of the grid after his Aston Martin struggled for pace, with teammate Fernando Alonso retiring from the sprint.