2026 Canadian Grand Prix Preview

(Image credit: Getty Images)

F1 resumes its North-American jaunt with a trip to Montreal, Canada, as the grid gathers for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix. 

Moved forward from its traditional early-mid June slot for geographical purposes, this sprint race weekend promises to bring fresh intrigue to proceedings as Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli heads teammate – George Russell by 20 points.

McLaren though are coming into the weekend off the back of a resurgent step forward in Miami and will be expected to challenge the Silver Arrows, whilst Ferrari and Red Bull look to take further steps forward.

Now, here is a full guide to everything that you need to know ahead of 2026 Canadian Grand Prix.

 

Track Guide

Circuit_Gilles_Villeneuve

Circuit: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

Grand Prix Laps: 70

Sprint Laps: 23

Race Distance: 305.270km

Tyre Selection: C3, 4, 5

 

Schedule

Date Session Time (BST)
Friday 22 May Practice 6:30pm
Friday 22 May Sprint Qualifying 9:30pm
Saturday 23 May Sprint Race 5:00pm
Saturday 23 May Qualifying 9:00pm
Sunday 24 May Race 7:00pm

 

Five Key Pointers

  • Traction out of corners and maximum speed will be key to nailing a flying lap, yet will be key to defending on the straights within the race..
  • Although top speed is more favourable around here, teams will also need to find a low-medium downforce setup which protects the tyres due to low grip levels within corners.
  • Track evolution across the weekend is set to be high with the circuit only used for this race weekend every year, although F2 and F1 Academy are also in tow which could help rubber the circuit in more by the time F1 hits the track.
  • With this weekend marking the first time that F1 are specifically running the sprint weekend format in Canada, it is crucial that teams maximise their practice time in the opening session.
  • Haas are bringing upgrades to this weekend so expect them to bounce back from a tough Miami GP if can extract performance from their new parts quickly.

 

Last Time Out

Russell dominated F1’s visit to Canada in 2025 ahead of Max Verstappen, whilst Antonelli claimed his first podium in F1 with his third-placed finish ahead of Oscar Piastri, as the latter survived a collision with his teammate – Lando Norris.

 

2026 Season Recap

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