Mercedes arrive in Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend aiming to strike a fresh technical blow in the Formula One development race. The team have dominated the opening four races, taking all poles and victories, but rivals McLaren, Red Bull and Ferrari have already introduced major upgrades. Mercedes now bring their first significant package of parts to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, hoping to maintain their advantage.
McLaren, in particular, made a big step forward in Miami and bring another tranche of upgrades to Canada, including a new front wing. Team principal Andrea Stella estimated Mercedes still had about a tenth of a second on them in Florida, but the revised pecking order will become clearer in Montreal. Should Mercedes have made similar gains, they will retain the upper hand, intensifying the title fight between drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.
The 19-year-old Antonelli has won the last three races and leads the championship by 20 points from his more experienced teammate. Russell, who could only manage fourth in Miami, faced questions about pressure in Canada. 'It's been a turbulent start but the truth is Miami felt like the first tough race of the season,' he said. 'It's still so early days and I know how to deal with it.' Russell has taken pole at the last two Canadian Grands Prix and won last year.
The weekend is a sprint event, limiting practice time to one session. The circuit's long straights and stop-start chicanes are not ideal for aerodynamic upgrades, meaning the true impact may not be felt until the Barcelona race in June. Cooler temperatures – potentially down to 11C on Sunday – and forecast rain could also play a part. It would be the first wet running for these new cars, which are high on power but lower on downforce. Pierre Gasly, who completed a wet tyre test at Magny Cours, warned drivers would be 'shocked' by the conditions.
