Haas F1 arrives in Montreal with a spring in its step, the Kannapolis outfit currently P6 in the Constructors' Championship thanks in large part to Oliver Bearman's impressive run to P8 in the Drivers' standings with 17 points. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, with its heavy braking zones and chicanes, could play directly into the VF-26's strengths if their brake setup truly clicks. A genuine points haul in front of what are effectively home fans for the American team isn't just a hope; it's an expectation, with Esteban Ocon also keen to get on the board.
For fellow American squad Cadillac F1, the picture is starkly different. Four rounds into their debut season, both Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez remain stuck on zero points. The pressure is palpably building on the team to unlock performance from the Caddy, a car the paddock is still figuring out, as the early-season promise has yet to materialize. Canada offers another opportunity, but the clock is ticking for the new entrants.
Further up the grid, Ferrari desperately needs to convert its blistering one-lap qualifying pace into race wins. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have shown flashes of brilliance, but a dominant Mercedes has meant they haven't consistently challenged Kimi Antonelli. Hot on the Scuderia's heels, McLaren is closing fast in the Constructors' standings, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri delivering consistent podium-contending performances, setting up a fierce battle for P2.