Max Verstappen Set for Bounce Back in Formula 1 2024 Canada GP
Ferrari and McLaren Ruled the Day in Monaco, Can Three-Time Champ Get Back on Track in Montreal?
For the second time in three Formula 1 races, Max Verstappen did not stand on the top step of the podium on Grand Prix Sunday. Charles Leclerc took an emotional home win after an uneventful Monaco Grand Prix to secure Ferrari’s second win of the season.
This week, the grid takes a trip to North America for the Canadian Grand Prix, and the 2024 Canada GP odds point to a rebound for Verstappen and Red Bull.
Catch the Canada GP action! Visit Point Spreads for the latest odds and insights!
2024 Canada GP: Odds for Race Winner
Max Verstappen (-275)
Monaco exposed one of the Red Bull’s weaknesses: bumpy track surfaces and kerbs. The chassis is not built to handle a lot of either and Monaco was a bad combination of the two for Verstappen and Red Bull.
Canada will be better but still not great; with Ferrari and McLaren closing the gap, it’ll be a tougher challenge to dominate to victory than usual.
Charles Leclerc (+500)
Leclerc’s pole lap all but assured him victory in Monaco, especially after a massive wreck on Lap 1 brought out a red flag. He’s now just 31 points away from Verstappen in the F1 standings.
Canada’s been one of his better tracks on the calendar. He’s managed multiple race-long charges up the field, including in 2022 (19th to fifth) and 2023 (10th to fourth). He’ll be in the fight in a much-improved team this season.
Lando Norris (+650)
Canada marked the final race last season before McLaren’s upgrade package that fast-tracked them to the top of the field. Norris has run only three races in Canada in his career with poor results each time.
In 2019, he retired with a broken suspension. He finished 15th in 2022 and 13th in 2023. McLaren’s uptick in pace over the last three races is promising but it may be tough for Norris to get a second win on the F1 schedule here.
Oscar Piastri (+1600)
He’s the top long shot here thanks to his form in Monaco. He finished second despite first-lap damage and likely could’ve fought harder for a win without it. He outraced Norris to 11th last season.
Canada was the sight of another Australian driver’s maiden win: Daniel Ricciardo in 2014. We could see another surprise this year.
2024 Canada GP Odds: Pole Position Odds
Verstappen (-125)
Again, the Red Bull won’t be perfect around Canada but it’ll likely be better than in Monaco. Look for Verstappen to be quicker than last time out and pole position may be close.
Leclerc (+330)
Leclerc will be gunning for a second pole position in a row this weekend. The Ferrari should be good around this circuit. Look for him to challenge Verstappen for pole.
Norris (+700)
McLaren’s lead driver started from the front row just once this season (Emilia Romagna GP). His best qualifying performances have come at tracks like Canada, though, so he’ll likely be near the front at least.
Piastri (+900)
Piastri’s a fun wild card here. He could ultimately lose out in the race but his qualifying pace is impressive, good enough to be a sleeper here.
2024 Canada GP: Podium Odds
Oddsmakers predict a podium combination of Verstappen (-600), Leclerc (-275), and Norris (-200). That’s a likely group but there’s potential for another driver to break into that top trio.
Piastri (+135)
He’s fresh off a well-deserved second-place result in Monaco. He’ll be in the hunt for another strong performance.
Carlos Sainz (+250)
Sainz enjoyed his fourth podium of the year in Monaco. Ferrari is a rising team and he’s raced well here before, including a second-place finish in 2022. Look for him to spoil the favorites’ party.
Odds for Points Finishers
Oddsmakers like 11 drivers to make the top 10:
- Verstappen (-1000)
- Leclerc (-900)
- Norris (-900)
- Sainz (-800)
- Piastri (-800)
- George Russell (-750)
- Sergio Perez (-750)
- Lewis Hamilton (-750)
- Fernando Alonso (-400)
- Lance Stroll (-150)
- Yuki Tsunoda (-135)
Beyond that group, some drivers could break into the top 10.
Nico Hulkenberg (+150)
Hulkenberg’s been a good choice as an F1 points sleeper in 2024. He’s cracked the top 10 three times on Grand Prix Sunday: Saudi Arabia (10th), Australia (ninth), and China (10th).
He also earned points in Miami during the sprint race. Canada could suit the Haas enough for him to have a good qualifying performance and hold on in the race.
Alexander Albon (+225)
Albon earned his first points finish of the year in Monaco with ninth place by the checkered flag. That could be a sign of things to come. The Williams is stronger at power circuits and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve puts a premium on power. Look for him to have another strong weekend as well.
Predictions
A relatively ho-hum race in Monaco gives way to what could be an exciting affair in Canada. There’s a 60% chance of rain on Saturday and Sunday in Montreal which could affect the outcome as it did in years past.
We like Leclerc (+330) to take pole position but Verstappen (-275) to win the race. Joining him on the podium (-600) will be Norris (-200) and Sainz (+250). Look for Albon (+225) to break into the points places by the end.
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