Johnny Herbert Canadian GP Preview: Podium will be Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and George Russell

Speaking ahead of the weekend in Montreal, Herbert said: “I'm going to throw the two McLarens onto the podium. I don't know exactly where, and also Kimi again because of the roll that he's on. This also has to be the time George takes the podium away from Kimi as well.

“I would not be surprised if George is able to force his teammate off of the podium and put himself in that strong position going forward," added the three time Grand Prix winner turned F1 pundit.

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has often rewarded efficiency, traction, braking stability and confidence through the chicanes. Herbert expects that to favour Formula 1’s 2 form teams. Herbert said: “It's a great track, one where downforce is not particularly high because of those straights.

“It gets very light when you're under-braking, so you need a good balanced car, and one that is also very responsive on the front end to go through all the chicanes at the end of those straights. It's going to be an advantage, I think, for the most efficient cars and at the moment the two cars that definitely stand out are the Mercedes and the McLaren.

“Red Bull will probably be there or thereabouts because that's the type of track that would benefit Max because I think he can always get the best out of a car. Max will probably be in the mix. I don't think he'll be in the mix when it comes down to the race but I think he definitely will be when it comes down to qualifying," predicted Herbert.

Herbert also believes Williams can now begin to show its true level after reducing the weight of its car: “I think Williams have turned a corner. Starting as they did with such a heavy car, it takes a lot of time and effort just to slim the car down without then focusing on what you need to focus on which is the pure performance.

“By achieving what they have so far with the reduction in weight, and they've shed quite a good few kilos, the car's performance has gone in a window where now they're able to get into the top 10 and get points. It's a good sign. Williams are probably starting their season now.

They're always behind, but it's how much more development they're going to be able to achieve in the next couple of races because everybody else is going to be improving. Williams are fighting themselves internally and they’ve also got to fight the other teams on the grid.”

Herbert was blunt on Aston Martin’s current position, but believes Alonso: “Aston Martin are going to improve because they were just so bad! You would expect Honda to be able to come out and produce some form of power unit with all the battery technology to give them a chance.

"But it's hard when all the others seem to be happier with what they have. Honda still don't understand what they've got or what they've got coming. So, there's still a lot of learning. Honda has got to do three or four jumps in performance to get that car in a situation of going for points."

Herbert continued: "It’s far from easy. Have they got the time this season to turn it around? I would probably say no they haven't. They will learn a lot from this year. Maybe they're going to be stronger next year but for this year I think it's going to be tougher.”

On Alonso, he ventured: “At this point, why would you want to really change Fernando Alonso? His input is obviously very important. I'm sure he pushes massively behind the scenes and that's the type of character that you want. I don't think they need to change for a younger upcoming star yet because they need that experience to help Honda, and to help the whole Aston project move forward.”

Herbert also defended the role of second team owenrship in Formula 1: “There’s a plus and a minus to the multi-team ownership. It's great that there are those teams that can have a second team because it just adds to how many cars we have on the grid itself.

“If we lost Alpine because Mercedes don't take it over, or you don't have RB, then you have four cars less on the grid, unless you've got some queue of people looking to get into the sport. I like it that drivers have another opportunity to get into a car.

I'm so happy that Red Bull with its Young Driver Programme can use that second team to bring on the young generation who sometimes make the main team. I would rather see teams with two teams because at least it gives those drivers a chance," concluded the motorsport veteran. 
(Johnny Herbert quotes supplied by Jackpot City Casino)