It’s been two weeks and withdrawal symptoms are setting in. Thankfully, another race is just around the corner – Montreal, Canada. This popular venue is surrounded by water, forest and a buzzing metropolitan city, and it usually produces exciting racing.
Defined by some long fast straights, the inclination is to think Mercedes will be hard to beat here, but there are also a few low and mid-speed corners that might offer a chance to Red Bull, who have upped their game lately. Red Bull are the variable in Hamilton’s title duel with Rosberg – how might they interfere?
Ferrari will be wanting to improve after an average start to the season has seen them under the very real threat of losing out on 2nd in the constructor’s championship to Red Bull. The notion that they might threaten Mercedes this year has worn thin. A possible new front wing change for them might yield something; we shall see.
Features of Interest
The Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is a 70- lap race where power will be crucial in sector 3 especially, which is (aside from turns 13 and 14) a long straight. Sector 2 incorporates some slow and mid-speed corners, but also features fast sections of track. Sector 1 is relatively slow but it’s not a place to slouch either. Overtaking opportunities exist at turns 1 and 2, albeit not without difficulty, whilst the tight hairpin at turn 10 is another chance to get by someone, as is the long DRS-section in sector 3. Drivers will have to be wary of the infamous Wall of Champions at the exit of turn 14 – it’s collected a number of drivers who’ve kissed the wall a bit too hard down the years.
In the context of 2016, Hamilton arrives at this race 24 points behind Rosberg after his win at Monaco. Rosberg has never won here, whilst Hamilton has won here four times (including his debut win in 2007). Rosberg will want to arrest Hamilton’s momentum immediately – any further wins for Hamilton and the gap starts to look insignificant.
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