F1 Canadian Grand Prix: Predictions, Odds & Best Bets

There has been only one Formula 1 weekend since the end of March but this week's Canadian Grand Prix is the first of seven over the next 10 weeks in what is sure to be a pivotal period for the shape of the 2026 world championships.

Mercedes are in pole position with Kimi Antonelli sitting proudly atop the drivers' standings, 20 points clear of his team-mate George Russell. 

Between them they have taken every grand prix victory and every grand prix pole position, and with their first major upgrade package set to be debuted this weekend, they are deservedly at the top of the market for victory on Sunday.

Canadian Grand Prix betting picks and predictions

Max Verstappen to win Canadian Grand Prix (+800)

Mercedes had a much tougher fight on their hands in Miami as their rivals introduced upgrade packages.

McLaren and Red Bull in particular were much more competitive than they had been earlier in the season.

With Mercedes bringing their own updates this weekend, it would seem logical that they will accelerate away from the pack again, but not all upgrades work as expected straight away.

Throughout the last rules set, Mercedes struggled to emulate on track what their computer modeling suggested should be happening, so there could be some nerves in the Silver Arrows garage when the cars take to the track for practice.

The fact this is a sprint weekend with only one hour to set up the cars could also count against them.

It could pay, therefore, to seek out some value in the racewinner market and Max Verstappen stands out at +800.

The four-time world champion won in Canada three years in a row before finishing second last season.

After a rough start to the season Verstappen was much more competitive in Miami. However, after challenging for the lead into the first corner, he spun and lost seven places on the opening lap.

The team opted for a strategy gamble after that, which may well have paid off had there been a safety car appearance at the right time, but in the end disadvantaged Verstappen and he came home fifth.

If the car is as competitive this weekend, he could fare a lot better given a little more luck and is worth a speculative play.

Pierre Gasly Top 6 finish (+200)

The midfield battle is as fierce as ever but Alpine have made giant strides from last year and sit fifth in the constructors standings behind the "big four" of Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull.

They have already eclipsed last season's total of 22 points in only four races and they were again strong in Miami last time. Pierre Gasly finished eighth in the sprint to collect a point, while Franco Colapinto recorded his best career finish with seventh in the grand prix.

French veteran Gasly finished sixth in China and seventh in Japan, and his perfect pointscoring record for the year was ended when he was rammed by an out-of-control Liam Lawson early in the race in Miami.

Alpine's decision to abandon work on their 2025 car in favour of concentrating on the 2026 machine seems to be paying dividends and Gasly can reward the strategy again.

Oliver Bearman points finish (+137)

Young Briton Oliver Bearman was one of the stars of the early part of the season, sitting fifth in the drivers' standings after the first two races.

His Haas team had a tougher time in Miami as their midfield rivals upgraded their cars, but Bearman only just missed out on picking up a point, finishing 11th.

Like Mercedes, though, Haas opted to delay the introduction of their upgrades until Canada, so the American team can be hopeful of regaining some ground this weekend.

The plus-money looks well worth taking that Bearman can himself back among the top 10 on Sunday.

Canadian Grand Prix outright odds

Kimi Antonelli	+175
George Russell	+225
Lando Norris	+400
Max Verstappen	+800
Oscar Piastri	+900
Charles Leclerc	+1600
Lewis Hamilton	+2000
Isack Hadjar	+30000

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.