Formula 1 heads to Montreal for one of the most unpredictable and entertaining weekends on the calendar as the Canadian Grand Prix returns in 2026 with a major change. For the first time, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will host a sprint weekend, adding even more intensity to an already chaotic track known for crashes, safety cars, and dramatic finishes.
The 2026 Canadian Grand Prix will take place from May 22 to May 24 and will serve as the seventh round of the Formula 1 season.
Canadian Grand Prix 2026 Moves From Traditional June Slot
The Canadian Grand Prix was historically scheduled every June until the 2026 edition was moved to May; however, it continues to be one of the most sought-after tracks on the Formula 1 calendar due to its fast pace and challenging walls.
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has been one of the fixtures of Formula 1 since 1978 and is located on the island of Notre Dame in the heart of the River St. Lawrence, with a famous combination of long straight and hard braking points that provide ample opportunity for overtaking and lots of action throughout the race weekend.
Full Schedule For F1 Canadian Grand Prix 2026
Here is the complete schedule for the race weekend:
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| Session | Date | Time |
| Free Practice 1 | Friday, May 22 | 22:00 – 23:00 |
| Sprint Qualifying | Saturday, May 23 | 02:00 – 02:44 |
| Sprint Race | Saturday, May 23 | 21:30 – 22:30 |
| Qualifying | Sunday, May 24 | 01:30 – 02:30 |
| Race | Sunday, May 24 | 01:30 – 03:29 |
The Canadian Grand Prix race will officially begin on Sunday, May 24.
Where To Watch The F1 Canadian Grand Prix 2026
Fans can watch the Canadian Grand Prix live through Formula 1’s official broadcast partners in their respective regions. In India, the race is expected to be available via F1 TV and official sports broadcasting platforms carrying Formula 1 coverage.
Live timing, updates, and race coverage will also be available across official F1 digital platforms throughout the weekend.
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Why Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Is So Popular In F1
Formula 1’s most exhilarating circuits are Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, where even a minor error can result in a race-ending crash for the driver.
Over time, many of the corners of the track, such as the Senna “S” (Turn 3 to Turn 4), the Hairpin (Turn 10), and the Wall of Champions (Turn 14), have become famous.
In particular, the Wall of Champions was established as a result of three world champions, Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve, and Michael Schumacher, all crashing into the same wall during the 1999 Canadian Grand Prix race weekend.
Since the circuit is rarely used for anything other than Formula 1 events, there is little to no surface grip on it after an F1 event, especially during the first few practice sessions. As a result, there are frequent spins and crashes, leading to unpredictable qualifying sessions.
George Russell Won The Last Canadian Grand Prix
Mercedes driver George Russell enters the 2026 edition as the defending Canadian Grand Prix winner after winning the 2025 race.
Max Verstappen finished second, while Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli completed the podium in third place.
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The current lap record at the circuit stands at 1:13.078, set in 2019.
Lewis Hamilton And Ralf Schumacher Hold A Historic Record
The most successful drivers in Canadian Grand Prix history are Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, with seven wins each at the event.
Lewis Hamilton’s first-ever Formula 1 victory also came at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve back in 2007.
Among constructors, Ferrari remains the most successful team in Canadian GP history with 14 victories, while McLaren follows closely behind with 13 wins.
The Canadian Grand Prix was first held in 1967 before moving permanently to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in 1978, when hometown hero Gilles Villeneuve won the race.
Following Villeneuve’s tragic death in 1982, the circuit was renamed in his honour.
Over the decades, the venue has produced several memorable moments in Formula 1 history, including Ayrton Senna’s dominance, Jean Alesi’s emotional maiden win in 1995, and the Schumacher brothers becoming the first siblings to finish 1-2 in Formula 1 during the 2001 race.
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