2023 Canadian Grand Prix Prediction, Formula 1 Odds

Verstappen maintained the dominance that has highlighted this season with a clean sweep two weeks ago in Barcelona, finishing first in all three qualify sessions on his way to pole position and following up with both the fastest lap and race victory.

Accordingly, Verstappen has emerged as a massive -303 favourite on the F1 odds heading into Sunday’s race, well ahead of his Red Bull Racing Teammate Sergio Perez, who sits second on the odds board at +450.

Canadian Grand Prix Race Time, Weather Forecast

Lights out at the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix is scheduled for 2:00pm ET on Sunday afternoon at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. The weather could become a factor, with heavy rains forecast for Saturday before calming down prior to race time.

Verstappen on Record-Setting Pace

Now sporting a massive 53-point lead, Max Verstappen could finish with no points in the next two races and still maintain his comfortable perch atop the standings. The 25-year-old’s dominance has also set himself apart from the pack in the F1 championship odds, where he now leads the way as -923 chalk.

In addition, Verstappen returns to Montreal as the defending champ in this race after eking out a narrow victory over Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. a year ago. A foul weather forecast has not dampened his position on the odds to be tops in qualifying as a -200. As a result, any Red Bull fans looking to back the two-time defending champion can find the best value in his +105 odds to claim the checkered flag and fastest lap.

Hamilton Aim to Build on Past Success in Montreal

The promise of highly anticipated engine upgrades failed to put Mercedes in a position to challenge Verstappen two weeks ago in the Spanish Grand Prix. However, they did contribute to Lewis Hamilton’s return to the podium for just the second time this season, with the British F1 superstar claiming second place.

While it is hard to see Hamilton doing any better against Verstappen in Montreal, his past success at the Canadian Grand prix should not be overlooked. Indeed, Hamilton shares the record for the most wins in this race, with seven. And while he should be faded in any head-to-head matchup with Verstappen, the 38-year-old offers lots of value as a +110 bet to turn in a podium finish on Sunday.

Homecoming for Stroll

Sunday’s race marks a homecoming for Montreal native Lance Stroll, who trails the favourites as a +15000 wager on the F1 odds. Despite being pegged as a distant bet to claim his first career F1 win, there’s plenty to like about Stroll and his Aston Martin teammate Fernando Alonso, who sits just back of Hamilton at +1200.

Stroll has benefited from an improved rise at Aston Martin and the tutelage of two-time F1 champion Alonso, producing four top-six finishes through seven outings. While that performance earns him consideration as a +150 wager to return to the top six, his two retirements this season and the promise of wet weather also make Stroll worthy of a value bet at +1600 to be the first driver to retire.

Predictions: Max Verstappen race win and fastest lap (+105); Lewis Hamilton podium finish (+110)