Preview Canada Grand Prix | Verstappen looks unbeatable again

The question can now be asked before every Grand Prix: Can Max Verstappen be kept from victory? The honest answer is also the same in every race: with no technical problems or accidents, the championship leader - who now has a 53-point lead over teammate Sergio Perez - is virtually unstoppable. Next weekend, Verstappen is also the absolute favourite for the Canadian Grand Prix next weekend.

The Montreal race has long been a fan favourite. The atmosphere is more convivial and relaxed than at Jean Drapeau Park, home to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. During the day, spectators go to the races; at night, Montreal's nightlife is great, and you get there easily and quickly by metro.

Not only thanks to its setting, Montreal is a gem on the F1 calendar, but the Grands Prix often offer plenty of food for thought. Relatively fresh in the memory is that amazing race in 2019, where Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel battled each other for victory. The latter crossed the line first, but because of a time penalty (for allegedly pushing Hamilton off the track), the Briton was still the winner. After entering the pit lane, a furious Vettel moved the number 1 sign, which stood in front of Hamilton's car, to his own Ferrari car.

A fight between Mercedes and Ferrari is also thick in the cards this year, but it is likely to emerge behind the untouchable Red Bull. Whereas Ferrari's updates in Barcelona proved to be no smash hit, in Canada the Italian team hopes the car responds better to the adjustments made. Mercedes will be looking for confirmation in Montreal that their updates are indeed that step forward, although team boss Toto Wolff already indicated that no too-great miracles should be expected.

Verstappen already close to title prolongation

Worries about updates working or not working Max Verstappen has absolutely nothing to worry about. His Red Bull Racing car has proved dominant everywhere this season, and there are no indications that this will be any different in Montreal. Sergio Perez is no doubt keen to score a good number of points this time - unlike Monaco and Barcelona - or at least stay close to his teammate. Should Verstappen run out another 25 (or 26) points in Canada - increasing his lead over the Mexican to 78 points (in the event of a zero result by Perez) - the Dutchman's name can already be engraved on the World Cup.

So is there nothing at all for Verstappen to consider? Indeed - like last season - there could be rain, which always makes a Grand Prix more unpredictable. Yet recognised rain rider Verstappen will not be upset by a few drops either. But the most important thing is going to be keeping the car out of the famous wall at the approach to start-finish. In the past, the greatest drivers such as Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill, Jenson Button and Jacques Villeneuve have parked their cars in the wall. Not for nothing does the piece of concrete have the Wall of Champions. Although a frequent champion by now, Verstappen does not want to get into that list next weekend.