Canadian Grand Prix Prediction and Betting Tips: Charles Leclerc backed for race win

After back-to-back races in Europe, the F1 teams return to North America this week as they line up for the Canadian Grand Prix.

UK petrol heads will have to wait until Sunday evening for their latest slice of Formula One action, with the coverage set to begin at 7pm on June 9th. The race at the Gilles Villeneuve circuit in Montreal will be shown live on Sky Sports F1.

Charles Leclerc has closed Max Verstappen’s lead in the Drivers’ standings is down to 31 points going into the Canadian Grand Prix, following his victory in Monaco.

The Ferrari man's form has certainly given the neutrals hope of a title battle, but Leclerc will have to buck the trend in Montreal if he is to stay on Verstappen's heels.

The Dutchman has won the last two races in Canada and Red Bull will be hopeful that they can enjoy more success this weekend.

Ferrari, though, seem to be on a roll, and they will have plenty to say on who collects maximum points this weekend.

Leclerc's sixth race win was a long time coming - almost two years - but given Ferrari's recent form, I'm backing him at 5/1 to make it consecutive triumphs this weekend.

Although the Monaco circuit is completely different to that in Montreal, there have been recent signs that the Monegasque racer could be set for title challenge.

Leclerc has been the season's most consistent performer so far, finishing every race in the top four. He has also collected the most points of anyone across the last three race weekends.

Ferrari were disappointed that they didn’t win the Emilia Romagna race, feeling they used conservative engine settings, and they seem determined to make up for that now.

Montreal's track layout is not too dissimilar to that of Imola, and that could play to the strengths of Ferrari - who are now just 24 points behind Red Bull in the Constructors Championship.

McLaren continue to surprise many with their form so far this season, with two drivers in the top six of the standings.

Australia’s Oscar Piastri made headlines with his second-place finish in Monaco, giving his team their fourth podium finish in a row.

That may have been the 23-year-old’s his first appearance of the year on the rostrum, but he has finished fourth three times and he is trending in the right direction.

His team-mate Lando Norris gets first preference when it comes to car upgrades, but it’s worth noting that Piastri has gone faster than Norris in qualifying at each of the last two races

McLaren have suggested that slow corners do not suit their car, but that hasn't stopped them from showing some good form and they will go in search of a first win in Canada since 2012.

He can be backed at 10/1 each-way with bet365, while BetMGM offer a best-price of 5/4 for a podium finish.