Predictions for the 2022 Canadian Grand Prix – By Joe Murphy
Formula 1 heads back to Canada this Sunday for the famous and beloved Canadian Grand Prix. After a multi-year hiatus, it’s Red Bull who lead the way in both respective Championships, at this point in the season. With Ferrari set to be quick and potential moves in the midfield, let’s have a look at what we could have in store this weekend.
Leclerc to disprove the doubters
Now, this isn’t the doubters of Charles himself, more the Ferrari car he’s trying to make work. It has let his down massively in recent times, mainly on Sundays when it counts the most. In Canada, the circuit doesn’t overly lend itself to overtakes. Achieving Pole Position this time will be much more important than in either Azerbaijan or Spain. If he can keep his engine running, Charles Leclerc can definitely throw his name back into the hat of Championship contenders. In recent weeks especially, he seems to have fallen away. There is still a long way to go, however so don’t count the Monaco man out just yet.
A better weekend for Haas
After a promising start to the year, Haas seem to have further off the pace the more the campaign has developed. Mick Schumacher never looked like scoring points last week and Kevin Magnussen has had a world of reliability issues leading to consecutive DNF’s as of late. However, the circuit in Montreal could suit the American outfit. Whilst it may not be many, you can back one of the Haas cars to score a couple of points. It would certainly be a positive step, and one that Haas needs badly right now. Alfa Romeo and Aston Martin have arguably overtaken Haas since Spain. The Dane and the German must get something this weekend otherwise run the risk of being stranded with Williams in the bottom two.
Danny to do it again!
Last week, Wheel2Wheel went bold with one of our predictions. We said that Daniel Ricciardo would beat Lando Norris in the McLaren head-to-head. Not many agreed but, with a combination of luck and strategy, the Australian did indeed finish ahead of his younger counterpart. What is potentially more surprising is that he is set to do it again. It wouldn’t be surprising to find them in a similar sort of track position this weekend. We’ll have to keep an eye on team orders and weather conditions.
Alon5o
The most experienced racer in the grid is a safe bet to finish fifth this Sunday. The Alpine car was the quickest of any on the final straight in Baku last time out. The circuit this weekend offers a similar straight to end, with plenty of opportunity to showcase straight line speed. As much as weather and reliability are subject to change, Wheel2Wheel believes that the Spaniard will navigated his way to a strong finish for the French Constructor. In fact, his teammate most likely won’t be that far behind him. Both are set to capitalise on the new changes being made to stop the porpoising issue. Speaking of…
No bouncing, so who’s pouncing?
Whilst you may naturally come to the conclusion that the trampoline-like Mercedes car could somehow turn it around by Sunday, Sky sports’ own Ted Kravitz instead informed audiences that they will instead by negatively affected. In the name of safety, the cars will be made noticeably slower. So the Silver Arrows may be more like lead pipes to start with as it may take time to adjust the car and make improvements over the coming months to get back to their former dominant ways. That’s begs the question, who will benefit? The aforementioned Alpine could have a strong showing, the same could be said for Alpha Tauri. Instead, the biggest winners could indeed be Williams if the playing field is evened out somewhat. Alex Albon hasn’t been that far off the points in recent weeks, and could reap the rewards if things go his way in a few days time.
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