F1 | CANADIAN GP GIAN CARLO MINARDI: “CAN MONTREAL SHAKE UP THE BALANCES?”

It has been three weeks since the Miami Grand Prix and Formula One is landing in Montreal, Canada on the 4,351m long track named after Gilles Villeneuve. It is an unusual track characterized by long straights and particularly demanding spots of braking that put the brake systems under severe strain. The track has been resurfaced recently and is currently very smooth and not very abrasive. Furthermore, we are talking about a street-circuit and consequently the track will evolve significantly during the weekend. This year, in addition to the top category, Formula 2 will also be present.

The Sprint format will also make its debut in Montreal. For the teams and the drivers having only one session of free practice before the main event will be an additional challenge.

This year the circus is taking place in Canada a few weeks earlier than usual in the world championship calendar, and this could have a further impact also in terms of the weather. Weather conditions always represent a strong source of uncertainty because they can change very quickly due to the absence of mountains and the proximity of the ocean.

This is traditionally a race based on two-stops, but this year the choice could be for just one pit stop. As always, keep an eye out for the for the possible entry of the safety car.

Pirelli has chosen to bring the softest range of compounds available onto the track; C3 as the Hard, C4 the Medium and C5 the Soft. Potential graining must also be monitored.

As I have already mentioned, we are coming back from a three-week break and many teams – if not all of them -, will introduce technical updates to try to challenge the supremacy of the Mercedes-AMG Formula One Team. In the front row there will surely be McLaren which was revitalized in Miami, but keep an eye on Red Bull Racing and Ferrari too.

Speaking about Red Bull, Max Verstappen kept himself in shape by taking part in the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring. His race ended three hours before the finish, but it is always great to see champions of his calibre taking time for fun and put on a show for the fans.

Amongst the unknown factors, we must not forget the infamous “Wall of Champions “which is always insidious at the exit of the final chicane following the long straight.

Let’s hope for a good time and to hear Italy’s national anthem once again.

Gian Carlo Minardi