Canadian Grand Prix- Talking Points

Canada has established itself as one of the most popular races on the calendar, thanks to its unique layout, friendly people and reputation for staging a classic.

Last year, Daniel Ricciardo won his first ever F1 race after Mercedes suffered brake problems; while who can forget Jenson Button’s historic win in 2011?

This year, we have another tight championship in our midst and Montreal is a fine place to watch the latest episode play out.

Here are the main talking points for this weekend.

Mercedes brake problem

Yep, we’re back here again. If you have a long-term brake issue then Canada is the stuff of nightmares due to its long straights and sharp turns. And Mercedes have shown, albeit only slightly, that they have a problem.

Last season, the Canadian Grand Prix was spectacular. But it was allowed to be by the W05, which ruined a processional one-two for the German team. Lewis Hamilton’s problem was so severe that he was forced into retirement, while Nico Rosberg battled manfully and finished second.

In Abu Dhabi last season, the same thing happened to Rosberg again: it cost him a chance of winning the world championship.

Lewis Hamilton Mercedes W05 at Canada

This year’s W06 is, as expected, more reliable. Their pre-season mileage pays testament to that, but there is still an issue with brakes. In Bahrain, both cars suffered an issue at the same time and Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen was almost gifted a victory.

The Italian team are Mercedes’ closest rivals, and will be on hand to take advantage of any slips up again.

Can Hamilton trust Mercedes?

When Hamilton gets told to pit, or gets told that his race strategy is being altered, there has to be some doubt in his mind.

Mercedes blame their blunder at the Monaco Grand Prix as a data error, but it’s quite clear that it was just stupidity. No team would have taken the risk.

Hamilton was brought into the pits from the lead to change tyres just as the safety car emerged. He came out in third and lost a race that he deserved to win.

The 30-year-old, the team leader, insists that he has faith in his team, but Mercedes have a history of poor judgement.

If there are any long-term impacts on their relationship, we may find out this weekend. Nico Rosberg, for one, will hope that there is .

Nico Rosberg wins

Can Rosberg kick Hamilton when he is down?

Hamilton has become a ruthless champion as he has matured at Mercedes, and now it is time that his team-mate becomes the same.

Rosberg showed that he is cold and calculated last season, and he took full advantage of Hamilton’s misfortunes throughout the campaign.

If he wants to become world champion this year, then he must do the same, starting in Canada.

Williams time to shine

Williams and Monaco do not go well together, to the extent that they haven’t qualified in the top 10 since 2011.

However, their dismal, and almost embarrassing, display in Monte-Carlo two weeks ago was a shock to their system. So, it’s a good job that the next race is in Montreal.

Williams’ strengths lies in their engine, and Canada’s long straights suits them perfectly. Red Bull may have a Monaco renaissance, but normal order should be restored this weekend, as the British team continue to chase down Ferrari.

Max Verstappen, Toro Rosso STR10

Verstappen to come through the field?

Max Verstappen’s harsh penalty for crashing into the back of Romain Grosjean’s Lotus will almost certainly mean that he will start low down the order.

However, it will give us another opportunity to see this impressive Dutchman in action as he slices way through the field.

Verstappen is a risk-taker, and we should celebrate that. Let's hope that he puts on another display in Montreal, although not like the one which ended his race last time out.

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