Canadian GP F1: Stroll returns, Verstappen under pressure and everything you need to know.

Formula 1 arrives in Montreal: Analysis of the Canadian Grand Prix

Formula 1 moves to Montreal, Canada, for the tenth round of the season. This race is special, as it is the hometown of Lawrence Stroll, owner of Aston Martin, and his son and driver, Lance Stroll. The Aston Martin team has confirmed Lance Stroll’s participation this weekend, after his absence from the Spanish Grand Prix two weeks ago due to a wrist injury. His return is positive news for the team and fans. The Gilles-Villeneuve circuit is known for its overtaking, challenging escape zones and, of course, the groundhogs that often venture onto the track, sometimes with unexpected consequences. Furthermore, Max Verstappen could be under pressure this weekend, as he is one penalty point away from a race ban, following the incident with George Russell in Spain.

Weather Forecast

The forecast for race number 44 in Montreal includes cloudy skies on Friday, with sun and higher temperatures of 22°C on Saturday and Sunday.

Featured News

The 2026 calendar is already defined, with important changes: the Madrid Grand Prix will debut at the new Madring circuit, while Imola has been removed. The FIA has granted an F1 superlicense to Arvid Lindblad, Red Bull junior driver, before he turns 18.

Una marmota en el Circuit Gilles Villeneuve en Montreal.

A groundhog is seen at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.

History and Statistics of the Circuit

Canada has hosted Grand Prix races since 1967, but the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal was added to the calendar in 1978 and has been a fixture almost every year since then. The circuit, named after national hero Gilles Villeneuve, is a favorite for fans and drivers alike. It is characterized by its long straights, challenging chicanes, and the famous “Wall of Champions”. Next year’s Canadian Grand Prix will be brought forward slightly on the calendar, after the Miami event, to optimize the logistics and sustainability of F1.

Key Data:

Circuit: Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve; Montreal, Canada
First F1 race: 1978
Lap record: 1:13.078, Valtteri Bottas (2019)
Most wins: Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, with seven

What makes it special? A hybrid street circuit with long straights, tricky chicanes, and the famous Wall of Champions.

“The Montreal circuit is definitely one of my favorite tracks and it’s a fantastic event. The atmosphere in the city is great: all of Montreal turns into a giant motorsport festival. You feel the energy and excitement everywhere in the city.” – Esteban Ocon
Esteban Ocon

La horquilla en la curva 10 del Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

The hairpin at Turn 10 of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which has been on the calendar since 1978.

What happened last year

Max Verstappen achieved his third consecutive victory on the circuit, in a race marked by rain and multiple safety cars. Lando Norris finished second, while Russell, who had achieved pole position, finished third.

Who will win?

It’s difficult to predict a clear winner, but McLaren seems to be the team to beat at this point in the season. Given the configuration of the Montreal circuit, Norris is expected to reduce the gap with Piastri.

Análisis de los posibles podios en el Gran Premio de Canadá.

Analysis of the possible podiums in the Canadian Grand Prix.

Here are the championships

Oscar Piastri leads the standings with a 10-point advantage over Lando Norris. Verstappen is 39 points behind Norris. In the constructors’ championship, McLaren leads with a wide advantage over Ferrari.