Max Verstappen concerned for Canadian GP as Lewis Hamilton eyes surprise fight

07 June 2024 , 14:57

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Max Verstappen has predicted another difficult weekend for Red Bull in Montreal (Image: Getty Images)

Max Verstappen admitted Red Bull have not solved their issues that saw them struggle in Monaco two weeks ago.

And now rivals are lining up behind them to take advantage on what could be a wet weekend at the Canadian Grand Prix. Even without the threat of rain, Verstappen, 26, knows his car struggles over kerbs, of which there are plenty around Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

"It's not something you can fix within one or two weeks," said the Dutchman of Red Bull's weakness. "The car's not absorbing the kerbs and the bumps like it should be, compared to maybe some of our competitors. That's what we have to work on, because when you keep jumping on bumps and kerbs, you don't have grip because the wheels are in the air, and that's where we lost a lot of time in Monaco."

Lando Norris often prefers to play down his own chances of success, but even he admits McLaren have an opening this weekend. The Briton, 24, said: "I'm never going to say, 'Yeah, this is my weekend.' But I'm confident enough to say that the last few weekends we've proved that we're close, we're in a good fight with Red Bull and Ferrari."

Norris tipped the latter for success in Montreal and added: "With kerb riding, that's a big part around here. It's going to be close. It's impossible for me to say if it will be us, Ferrari or Red Bull on top - that's why it's exciting. None of us really know and it's going to be close. Ferrari I would probably put as favourites."

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Charles Leclerc's response to that prediction was: "They always say that!" The 26-year-old won his home race last time out in Monaco and is convinced that Ferrari can challenge not only for more wins, but for the title this year.

Lewis Hamilton is optimistic that Mercedes can soon challenge at the front themselves (Formula 1 via Getty Images)

"I have to believe in it, and I believe in it," he declared. "However, let's say that I think the last two races have not been the tracks that favour Red Bull or show their strengths. I don't think that this one is a track that will show their strength either, so it might be an opportunity again for us."

Of the big four teams, Mercedes are the ones yet to show they can also take the fight to Red Bull. But Lewis Hamilton, 39, is eyeing a battle with Verstappen soon - if his team can continue its strong development.

He said: "The car's continuing to improve... So I'm hoping that we can get closer to these guys and start actually competing at the front. I don't think it's far away. We've got the upgrade - both cars have the upgrade this weekend - so I'm looking forward to seeing how that feels on the track."

Daniel Moxon