Formula 1 heads to Montreal, Canada, for the tenth race of the season. This event holds special significance as the home race for Aston Martin`s owner, Lawrence Stroll, and his son, driver Lance Stroll.
Lance Stroll is confirmed to compete this weekend, having participated in qualifying two weeks ago in Spain before withdrawing from the Grand Prix on medical grounds related to a prior wrist injury.
The race circuit in Montreal, named Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, is renowned for its opportunities for overtaking, its unforgiving track limits with walls positioned close to the tarmac, and its occasional wildlife visitors – specifically groundhogs – which can unfortunately sometimes lead to incidents on the track.
Adding another layer of tension, Max Verstappen faces the pressure of being just one penalty point away from a race ban following an incident during the Spanish Grand Prix with George Russell.
Weather Outlook
The forecast for the 44th edition of the Montreal race indicates cloudy conditions on Friday, transitioning to sunshine and warmer temperatures around 22°C on Saturday and Sunday.
Here is a comprehensive preview for the upcoming race weekend:
Latest F1 Updates
- The 2026 Formula 1 calendar has been released, featuring a new race in Madrid at the planned Madring circuit, while Imola has been removed from the schedule.
- Red Bull`s new RB17 hypercar is available for purchase, priced at $6.7 million.
- The FIA has awarded a Formula 1 superlicence to Red Bull junior driver Arvid Lindblad ahead of his 18th birthday.
- Catch the race preview and the latest episode of ESPN`s F1 podcast, Unlapped, with Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson reporting from Montreal.
Circuit Stats and History
Canada has been a host for Formula 1 since 1967, with races held at Mont-Tremblant and Mosport near Toronto. However, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, which first hosted F1 in 1978, has been a near-permanent fixture on the calendar since.
National hero Gilles Villeneuve won the inaugural race on this track. In 1982, four years after his passing, the circuit was renamed in his honour.
Popular among both fans and drivers, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is built on roads on the man-made island of Notre Dame, located in the middle of the St Lawrence River. The island was originally created for the Expo 67 world fair in 1967 and later utilized for the 1976 Summer Olympics before being converted into an F1 circuit.
The circuit is fast, featuring two long straights. However, it is also challenging and unforgiving, with walls close to the track, limited run-off areas, and tight hairpins that require drivers to utilize the kerbs, particularly before the first and final chicanes.
For the next season, the Canadian Grand Prix will move to an earlier slot following the Miami race, allowing F1 freight to remain in North America. This calendar adjustment is part of Formula 1 Management`s efforts to enhance sustainability and cost efficiency by reducing freight travel.
Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve: Key Information
Circuit: Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve; Montreal, Canada
First F1 race: 1978
Lap record: 1:13.078, Valtteri Bottas (2019)
Most wins: Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher (7 wins). Current grid drivers with wins:
- Hamilton (2007, 2010, 2012, 2015-2017, 2019)
- Fernando Alonso (2006)
- Max Verstappen (2022-2024)
Most poles: Hamilton & Schumacher (6 poles). Current grid drivers with poles:
- Alonso (2006)
- Hamilton (2007-2008, 2010, 2015-2017)
- Verstappen (2022-2023)
- George Russell (2024)
Special characteristics: A unique hybrid street circuit known for its long straights, tricky chicanes, and the notorious `Wall of Champions`.
Driver`s perspective: Esteban Ocon describes it as “definitely one of my favourite tracks and it`s a fantastic event. The atmosphere in the city is great: the whole of Montreal becomes a giant motorsport festival. You feel the energy and excitement everywhere in the city.”
Recap of Last Year (2024 race)
Max Verstappen secured his third consecutive win at the circuit in a challenging race affected by rain and multiple safety cars. Lando Norris finished second, having held a significant lead before the initial safety car period disrupted the field order. Pole-sitter George Russell completed the podium in third place for Mercedes.
Race Predictions
Given the current performance trends, it`s difficult to look past McLaren as the team to beat this weekend.
Between the McLaren teammates, Oscar Piastri has recently shown a slight edge at circuits with high-speed corners, while Lando Norris has been more competitive in slower-speed sections.
Considering Montreal`s specific layout, our prediction leans towards Lando Norris potentially closing the performance gap to Piastri once more.
Championship Standings Overview
Oscar Piastri`s lead in the drivers` championship has narrowed to just 10 points over Lando Norris. Piastri currently holds five wins this season compared to Norris`s two.
Max Verstappen is positioned third, 39 points behind Norris, also with two victories to his name.
In the constructors` standings, McLaren holds a significant advantage with 362 points, leading second-placed Ferrari by 197 points.
How to Follow the Canadian Grand Prix
Live broadcast coverage in the U.K. is available on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.
For ongoing news, analysis, and updates throughout the weekend, follow the coverage provided by ESPN`s F1 team, Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson, reporting from Montreal, as well as updates on social media platforms.
Below are the session times in BST (British Summer Time). Local time (Eastern Daylight Time) is 5 hours behind BST.
Friday
Free practice one: 18:30 – 19:30 BST
Free practice two: 22:00 – 23:00 BST
Saturday
Free practice three: 17:30 – 18:30 BST
Qualifying: 21:00 – 22:00 BST
Sunday
Race starts: 19:00 BST (live text commentary build-up from 18:00 BST)
Further F1 Resources
- Current Standings, Calendar, and Teams information.
- Details on the 2025 F1 circuits: their history, statistics, and unique aspects.
- Essential facts about drivers, teams, venues, and more.
- Reasons to support each F1 driver and key questions for every team.
- Introduction to the rookies: Expectations for F1`s Class of 2025.
Rupert Caldwell