Canadian F1 Grand Prix 2017: Key Battles, Prediction and Track Breakdown

Sebastian Vettel heads to the Canadian Grand Prix on June 11 with a healthy 25-point lead at the top of the drivers' standings after victory at Monaco last time out. 

Lewis Hamilton finished way down in seventh, but the race was dominated by suggestions that Ferrari had used tactics to ensure Vettel finished ahead of team-mate Kimi Raikkonen, as per Oliver Brown at the Telegraph.

After starting from 13th on the grid and struggling with his tyres all weekend, Hamilton did a decent job but admitted improvements are needed, as reported by Giles Richards at the Guardian.

"One more race like this and we will be much further behind," he said. "We still believe we can win this thing, 25 points is a long way away. Bit by bit we will try to chip away."

The signs are promising for Mercedes, however, as Hamilton beat Vettel to the chequered flag last time out in Montreal. It's also a track where he usually does well, having won five of the last 10.

Elsewhere, there is plenty of other interest. Fernando Alonso returns after the Indianapolis 500, while for the first time in 11 years, the locals will have a Canadian driver to cheer on in Williams driver Lance Stroll.

Key battles

Kimi Raikkonen vs. Ferrari bosses

Ferarri's pit strategy at Monaco appeared to cost Raikkonen victory, and it will be interesting to see how he responds in Canada.

The Finn lost the lead of the race during the pit stops to Vettel, who with clean air in front of him was then able to lap faster and win the race, with Raikkonen finishing second.

The 37-year-old's disappointment and frustration at missing out on his first Ferrari victory since 2009 could act as motivation on Sunday.

Ferrari have not won in Montreal since 2004, but Raikkonen has claimed victory here before and knows what it takes to be successful on this track.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

Sebastian Vettel vs. Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton will be aiming for his sixth win in Canada, which would put him just one behind Michael Schumacher in the list of all-time Canadian GP winners.

If Hamilton and his team can fix the tyre issues that so affected them in Monaco, where the team struggled for grip all weekend, then he will be in with a shot on a track where he has enjoyed great success.

Vettel, however, will go into the race in relaxed mood with a healthy lead, and is the man to beat at present.

The track

A mix of public roads and purpose-built race track, Montreal favours power and straight-line speed. Fast yet narrow, the track mixes long straights with several low-speed and low-grip corners.

The race is often chaotic and the opening corners generally provide excitement, while the L'Epingle hairpin, is one of the best overtaking spots on the track.

There's also the infamous "Wall of Champions," a wall tight to the track after the final chicane that has put an end to many drivers' races and title hopes, and it must be approached with care.

Here's a video of the track layout:

Mercedes need to improve and fast, and they will have been working extra hard to catch up ahead of his race. Hamilton will fancy his chances on Sunday but may still find he has work to do.

Prediction: Vettel to nick it from Hamilton