Rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen is almost like no other in the history of racing. The two keep fans on edge with near collisions and championship-deciding clashes. This rivalry will once again be in full force at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix.
The track is the perfect setting for the competition between the two, with tight corners and close-call finishes, all set against the backdrop of Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The showdown will also have a ripple effect on all of F1.
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton is one of the most accomplished drivers in the history of Formula 1. He's known for tactical intelligence, smooth driving, and the ability to adapt to the needs of each race. In 2024, he left Mercedes after more than a decade with the team and signed with Ferrari, which was well past its former glory.
Hamilton has participated in eight races this year and achieved point finishes in eight of them. His best result to date is a fourth-place finish at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, and he managed a sprint race victory in China, which was his first win for Ferrari.
Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen is the face of a new generation of F1 drivers. His driving style is ultra-competitive, aggressive, and very consistent. He's only 27, and this year, he's going for a fourth title. Verstappen won the last three Canadian GPs and is, therefore, defending the title.
He debuted in 2015 at the age of 17, becoming the youngest driver in F1 history. His first title was the result of a controversial race in Abu Dhabi in 2021 when he beat Hamilton. Verstappen remained a leading driver for Red Bull ever since.
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve: A Driver's Challenge
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is one of the most difficult and unforgiving races in F1. The race distance is 305.27 km (189.53 mi), and with 70 laps, its overall length is 4.361 km (2.710 mi). It's a semi-permanent street course with tight corners and speeds comparable to those of a traditional race track.
The most notorious corner of the race and possibly the whole of F1 is the Wall of Champions, at turn 14. It's located at the end of a long, straight road and bordered by a wall that has claimed several champions.
The longest straight on the track is known as Casino Straight, where the cars reach speeds exceeding 330 km/h (205 mph). It's the perfect spot for overtakes.
Why is the Canada Prix So Difficult for Drivers?
The constant start and stop of the race requires drivers to manage their breaks and avoid overheating carefully. This will be increasingly difficult as the weather heats up as well. It's also a very precise race, and even the smallest brush against the wall could end the race. In fact, the best crypto sports betting sites out there always have odds for a crash to happen.
The race is also known for changes in pace and frequent use of safety cars. This allows drivers to employ and adjust many strategies throughout.
The Rivalry
The rivalry between the two began in 2021 when Verstappen won following a controversial call. Heading into the race, the two were equal and fighting for the championship. Hamilton dominated the race until the very last lap, but a crash caused by Nicholas Latifi brought out a Safety Car, which bunched up the field.
The race director made a call and allowed only the lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen to un-lap themselves. This placed Verstappen right behind Hamilton, and he overtook him soon after – winning the race. The two have been fighting it out ever since.
In the aftermath, Mercedes protested, and the FIA stated that the decision was a result of human error. They've also replaced the race director, but they didn't change his call. This left many fans feeling that Verstappen didn't deserve his first title.
What to Look For During the Race
There are a few developments to watch for that will emerge relatively early on and may determine the outcome of the race.
Everyone will try to figure out how Hamilton is adapting to Ferrari, as that process is very much ongoing. The faster he adapts, the better he'll do in the race. Ferrari's car differs significantly in design and driving philosophy. Communication with the engineering team, particularly with the new race engineer, Riccardo Adami, will play a significant role in this.
Verstappen's performance depends very much on consistency during the race. If he manages to remain consistent in his performance and pace, he'll probably manage to win. In his earlier career, emotional decisions often caused trouble during races, and as Verstappen matured, these became increasingly rare.
Weather conditions are also an essential piece of data to consider when it comes to the Canadian Grand Prix. It's the race most affected by climate change in all F1, as early summers in Canada can be quite harsh. The weather can change quickly from 30 degrees Celsius and heat to pouring rain. Tire strategies and braking strategies are, therefore, often changed mid-race.
Strategic use of pit stops can also be a key factor in winning the Canadian Grand Prix, often more so than securing a good qualifying spot. Tires are especially affected by the track, and almost all wins are within the smallest difference from each other.
To Sum Up
The Canadian Grand Prix will be a chance for another showdown between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, whose rivalry has defined races since 2021. The two are poised to try and win the race, which is one of the most competitive in Formula 1.
The race very much depends on strategic decisions, on weather, and the use of pit stops. It's especially difficult for Hamilton, who's still adapting to his new team. It's also known for its high number of crashes and dangerous turns, which can quickly alter everyone's plans.