Alfa Romeo Formula 1 boss Frederic Vasseur says every error undertaken by a midfield team has a “big price” in 2019 due to the closely-contested nature of the battle.
Alfa Romeo scored points at each of the opening four grands prix but, after encouraging practice pace in both Spain and Monaco, the team slipped back in qualifying, sealing its fate for the respective races.
Alfa Romeo has now dropped to ninth place in the Constructors’ Championship, but trails fifth-placed Racing Point by just four points.
“We are looking ahead to Montreal with confidence,” said Vasseur.
“The track layout should suit us and it is one that allows overtaking, which is something we struggled on previous tracks despite good race pace.
“With every race weekend, we gain understanding of our car and we learn how to unlock its pace, but executing a spotless race weekend is still the key.
“The midfield is so close, with only five points dividing fifth and ninth in the championship, so every mistake has a big price, but we know we can score points in Canada and move up in the standings.”
Kimi Raikkonen has scored all 13 points amassed by Alfa Romeo so far in 2019, with rookie team-mate Antonio Giovinazzi yet to get off the mark.
“The track in Montreal should suit us but to be honest so far this season not a lot went according to plan,” said Raikkonen.
“I hope we’ll get the tyres working and then we should be able to get the full potential out of the car.
“Ninth in the Constructors’ Championship is definitely not where we should be.”
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