The Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix will begin at a later-than-usual time on Sunday as Formula 1 adjusts its schedule to avoid a direct clash with the iconic Indianapolis 500.
The race at Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is set to start at 4 PM local time, two hours later than its traditional 2 PM local start, allowing fans to follow both major motorsport events on the same day.
Why has the Canadian Grand Prix start time changed?
The revised start time is linked to broader changes made to the Formula 1 calendar for the 2026 season.
Traditionally held in June, the Canadian Grand Prix has been moved to late May as part of Formula 1's efforts to improve logistical efficiency and reduce travel-related emissions. The scheduling adjustment allows teams to travel directly from the Miami Grand Prix to Montreal
rather than returning to Europe before heading back to North America.
However, the new date placed the Canadian Grand Prix on the same weekend as the Indianapolis 500, one of the biggest events in global motorsport. To prevent a direct overlap between the two races, Formula 1 opted to push back the start time by two hours.
What time does the Canadian Grand Prix start?
The 70-lap race will begin at:
- 4:00 PM local time (Montreal)
- 9:00 PM BST (United Kingdom)
- 10:00 PM CEST (Central Europe)
- 1:30 AM IST (Monday, May 25)
The later start is expected to make it easier for motorsport fans worldwide to watch both the Indy 500 and Formula 1 race live.
Monaco Grand Prix moved from traditional slot
The calendar reshuffle has also impacted the Monaco Grand Prix.
For decades, Monaco occupied Formula 1's traditional late-May weekend. However, the 2026 schedule sees the prestigious street race moved to early June, with race weekend taking place from June 5-7.
The changes form part of Formula 1's ongoing efforts to create a more regionally efficient calendar while reducing unnecessary intercontinental travel throughout the season.
Canadian Grand Prix 2026 start times
| Region | Start Time |
|---|---|
| Montreal (Local Time) | 4:00 PM |
| United Kingdom | 9:00 PM BST |
| Central Europe | 10:00 PM CEST |
| India | 1:30 AM IST (May 25) |
The Canadian Grand Prix will be the first Formula 1 race to take place under the revised North American scheduling model, with organizers hoping the later start avoids a direct audience clash with the Indianapolis 500 while maximizing global viewership.
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