Kimi Antonelli began 2026 with questions to answer after an up-and-down debut season with Mercedes, but has silenced any doubters with a sensational start to the season, and we're jumping on the bandwagon in our Canadian Grand Prix predictions.
After finishing runner-up to team-mate George Russell in Australia , the Italian has rattled off a hat-trick of victories in China , Japan and Miami , establishing a 20-point lead at the top of the drivers' championship.
Returning from an unscheduled break due to races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia being cancelled, Antonelli overcame a fierce battle with Lando Norris and some changeable Florida weather to prevail in fine style last time out. Mercedes supremo Toto Wolff beamed: "For me, that was his best race so far. It reminds me of his karting days; there were no mistakes. "It is astounding that these few races. In a way, it is what we predicted as a team. There are up and down moments, moments of brilliance, moments where you tear your hair out - and this year it is all coming together. "I don't think any of us would have expected this kind of run. How he has been able to capitalise (on the car) is special."
It is hard to argue with Antonelli being promoted to 7/4 favourite in Montreal , with Russell eased out to 9/4 following back-to-back fourth-placed efforts. However, it is worth noting Russell came out on top here 12 months ago and is 13/8 to secure a third consecutive Canadian Grand Prix pole.
Betting Odds
Canadian Grand Prix Betting Odds – Formula 1 2026
Driver | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Kimi Antonelli | 7/4 | 36.4% |
George Russell | 9/4 | 30.8% |
Lando Norris | 4/1 | 20.0% |
Max Verstappen | 8/1 | 11.1% |
Charles Leclerc | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Oscar Piastri | 10/1 | 9.1% |
Lewis Hamilton | 25/1 | 3.8% |
*Odds are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change.
Kimi Antonelli is the 7/4 favourite to win the Canadian Grand Prix . George Russell can be backed at 9/4, with Lando Norris at 4/1.
How to Watch
How to Watch the Canadian Grand Prix
The Lenovo Canadian Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, with a UK start time of 21:00 BST and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 , along with Saturday's Sprint race and all of the practice and qualifying sessions.
World champion Norris back in contention
Norris, who triumphed in Miami 's Sprint event before finishing second on race day, has re-emerged as a genuine race-winning threat in his upgraded McLaren . The Briton fought his way to the front in Florida but surrendered that lead at the sole pit stop and just couldn't reel Antonelli back in. It was a slightly frustrating defeat for the reigning world champion, but Oscar Piastri pushing through to take third made it a promising weekend for McLaren .
Norris said, "Mixed bag, we got undercut, no excuses. We should have boxed first. I have to be happy, but I'm gutted to miss out on a win here in Miami . We take it on the chin." Norris can be backed at 4/1 to go one better in Canada, while Piastri is rated a 10/1 shot.
There was also a bit more encouragement for Max Verstappen in Miami , where the Red Bull ace attempted to pull off a one-stop strategy but in the end faltered on old tyres. Verstappen claimed victory here in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and is 8/1 for another success, while seven-time Canadian Grand Prix winner Lewis Hamilton is 25/1, just behind Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc on 16/1.
Betting Tips
Canadian Grand Prix Betting Tips
George Russell Canadian Grand Prix Pole @ 13/8
Simply click/tap on the above betting tips to add to your betslip.
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*Prices are subject to fluctuation
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