Formula 1 moves to Montreal, Canada, for the tenth round of the season, an iconic circuit that is home to Lawrence Stroll, owner of Aston Martin, and his son and driver, Lance Stroll.
Lance Stroll, absent from the Spanish Grand Prix two weeks ago due to a wrist injury, has not yet confirmed his participation in this weekend’s race. Uncertainty surrounds his physical condition, generating anticipation among fans.
The Gilles-Villeneuve circuit in Montreal is known for its exciting overtakes, challenging escape areas, and the presence of groundhogs that often cross the track, adding an unpredictable element to the competition.
The weather forecast for the 44th edition of the race in Montreal anticipates cloudy skies on Friday, with sun and warmer temperatures of 22°C on Saturday and Sunday, promising a weekend full of action.
A groundhog is seen at the Gilles Villeneuve circuit in Montreal.
Breaking News
The 2026 calendar has been announced, including a race at the new Madrid circuit and excluding Imola. The FIA has granted an F1 superlicense to Arvid Lindblad, a Red Bull junior driver, before he turns 18. A podcast from Alofoke Deportes with Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson from Montreal, where the race is analyzed.
Circuit Statistics and History
Canada has hosted Grand Prix races since 1967, but the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal debuted in 1978 and has been a fixture on the calendar almost every year since then. The circuit, named after national hero Gilles Villeneuve, is appreciated by fans and drivers alike. It is made up of roads on the artificial island of Notre Dame, in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. The circuit is fast, with two long straights, but unforgiving, with walls close to the track and tight hairpin turns. This requires cars to use the curbs, especially before the chicanes. The 2026 Canadian Grand Prix will be moved forward slightly, after Miami, to facilitate the transport of F1 in North America, as part of Formula 1’s efforts to reduce costs and make the calendar more sustainable.Canadian Grand Prix
Circuit: Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve; Montreal, CanadaFirst F1 race: 1978
Lap record: 1:13.078, Valtteri Bottas (2019) More victories: Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher with seven. Current drivers:- Hamilton (2007, 2010, 2012, 2015-2017, 2019)
- Fernando Alonso (2006)
- Max Verstappen (2022-2024)
- Alonso (2006)
- Hamilton (2007-2008, 2010, 2015-2017)
- Verstappen (2022-2023)
- George Russell (2024)
The Montreal circuit is definitely one of my favorite circuits and it’s a fantastic event. The atmosphere in the city is great: all of Montreal becomes a giant motorsport festival. You feel the energy and excitement everywhere in the city.
Esteban Ocon
What happened last year?
Verstappen achieved his third consecutive victory on the circuit, in a race marked by rain and safety cars. Lando Norris finished second and Russell third.Who will win?
At this point in the season, it’s difficult to bet on any team other than McLaren. Norris could close the gap with Piastri.
This is how the championships are
Oscar Piastri’s lead has been reduced to just 10 points over Lando Norris. Verstappen is 39 points behind Norris in the standings. In the constructors’ championship, McLaren leads with 362 points, 197 ahead of Ferrari.
How to Watch the Grand Prix
For fans in the United States, the race is broadcast on ESPN and ESPN+. In the UK, live coverage is on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live. For news, analysis, and updates, follow Alofoke Deportes’ coverage. The following are the session times in BST (British Summer Time). Local time (Eastern Daylight Time) -5 hours.Friday
Free practice 1: 18:30 – 19:30 BST Free practice 2: 22:00 – 23:00 BSTSaturday
Free practice 3: 17:30 – 18:30 BST Classification: 21:00 – 22:00 BSTSunday
Start of the race: 19:00 BST
