Estéban den Toom is an editor at GPblog, specializing in Formula 1. With a background in journalism and a keen eye for detail, he delivers daily, reliable coverage and analysis of technical developments and on-track strategy within the sport.
Where Max Verstappen was nowhere near a victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, Mika Hakkinen now considers the Dutchman the top favourite for the Montreal race. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve hosts the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend. The circuit suits the RB20 better, Hakkinen believes.
Hakkinen has confidence in Verstappen
The Finn thinks the reigning world champion will make himself heard again in Canada. "I expect to see a return to winning form for Max Verstappen this weekend. The circuit will not compromise the performance of his RB20 in the way that Monaco did," Hakkinen said in his Unibet in his column.
Still, the 55-year-old former Formula 1 driver also sees another competitor for victory. "Watch out for the Ferrari challenge, however, as Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have a quick Ferrari, both of them have won races this year and the team is only 24 points behind Red Bull in the World Championship!"
This article was written in collaboration with Sophia Crothall.
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Austrian Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 26.06.26
Practice 1
11:30 AM
Practice 2
03:00 PM
Saturday 27.06.26
Practice 3
10:30 AM
Qualification
02:00 PM
Sunday 28.06.26
Race
01:00 PM
Friday 26.06.26
Practice 1
Fri 11:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 03:00 PM
Saturday 27.06.26
Practice 3
Sat 10:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 02:00 PM
Sunday 28.06.26
Race
Sun 01:00 PM
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F1-stand 2026
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