Lewis Hamilton leads the way as the Formula One season heads to Canada this weekend.

That's a situation that most would have predicted back in January although it certainly doesn't tell the full story.

Hamilton has only won two races this season - the same number as both of his closest rivals, Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo - but quite comfortably holds the top spot on account of being by far the most consistent.

The Mercedes man has only failed to podium once - a fourth-place finish in China - and to show that consistency off further, Hamilton hasn't recorded the fastest lap once, achieving his points through steady racing.

His rivals will be hoping to build on positive performances in Monaco to close the gap, however, with Ricciardo knowing he can't afford to follow up his victory like he did his last one, going from a win in China to retirement in Baku. 

Vettel's second-place finish was his first podium since winning the season's opening two races and he knows that he'll have to continue that form if Hamilton isn't to leave him behind.

And according to the reigning champion himself, both men have very good chances of getting what they want.

Both Ferrari and Red Bull are set to debut fresh engines in Canada - but Mercedes' own won't be ready until the next race in France.

For that reason, Hamilton believes things aren't looking good for him.

"If the other teams have got fresh engines, given how close we are, we won't be in a position to fight for the win," said Hamilton. "This is a power circuit so it was our target to use the new engine, which definitely would have been helpful.

"It is unfortunate but we will have to make do without it, and that means our performance will not be the greatest. It could be a difficult weekend.

"The engine will have lost performance and at a power circuit that will be magnified.

"All I am hoping for is reliability - naturally, I am here to win, but I just want to see the race through and that is my only concern."

But the four-time champion did manage to think positively, knowing exactly what he has to rely on this weekend.

"Our goal is to finish every single race so I'm hoping for reliability," he said.

"I will try and make the difference on the track with my driving."