Canadian GP 2026: Start Time, Schedule, Weather Forecast and How to Watch F1 in Canada

Formula 1 returns to Montreal this weekend for the Canadian Grand Prix, with the championship battle between Mercedes teammates Kimi Antonelli and George Russell continuing to gather momentum. The fifth round of the 2026 season also marks the first-ever Sprint weekend at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, meaning drivers will have just one practice session before competitive action begins.

McLaren arrive in Canada fresh off a breakthrough weekend in Miami, where Lando Norris secured Sprint victory and the team significantly closed the gap to Mercedes through a major upgrade package. With further developments expected across the grid and rain potentially looming over Montreal, fans could be in for one of the most unpredictable weekends of the season.

Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix.

What time does the Canadian GP start?

The Canadian Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, May 24 at 4:00 PM local time in Montreal.

For fans in India, the 70-lap race is scheduled to begin at **1:30 AM IST on Monday, May 25**.

The Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve hosts Formula 1's third Sprint weekend of the season, meaning points will be available across both Saturday and Sunday.

Canadian GP full weekend schedule

Friday, May 22
Session	Local Time (Montreal)	IST
Free Practice 1	12:30 PM	10:00 PM
Sprint Qualifying	4:30 PM	2:00 AM (May 23)

Saturday, May 23
Session	Local Time (Montreal)	IST
Sprint Race	12:00 PM	9:30 PM
Qualifying	4:00 PM	1:30 AM (May 24)

Sunday, May 24
Session	Local Time (Montreal)	IST
Canadian Grand Prix	4:00 PM	1:30 AM (May 25)

How can fans watch the Canadian Grand Prix?

Fans can watch every session of the Canadian Grand Prix weekend live through F1 TV Pro in supported territories. The service offers onboard cameras from every driver, live timing data and dedicated pre-race and post-race coverage.

F1 TV Premium subscribers can also access races in 4K Ultra HD, alongside the Multiview feature that allows viewers to follow multiple camera feeds simultaneously.

In India, Formula 1 broadcasts continue to be available through official regional broadcasters and streaming partners, while live timing and race tracking remain accessible through the official F1 app and Formula1.com.

Worldwide Canadian GP timings

City	Race Start Time
Amsterdam	22:00
Auckland	08:00
Austin	15:00
Barcelona	22:00
Budapest	22:00
Buenos Aires	17:00
Helsinki	23:00
Istanbul	23:00
Jakarta	03:00
Jeddah	23:00
Johannesburg	22:00
Lagos	21:00
London	21:00
Los Angeles	13:00
Melbourne	06:00
Mexico City	14:00
Miami	16:00
Monaco	22:00
Montreal	16:00
New Delhi	01:30
Perth	04:00
Rome	22:00
Sakhir	23:00
Sao Paulo	17:00
Seoul	05:00
Shanghai	04:00
Singapore	04:00
Tokyo	05:00
Vancouver	13:00
Yas Marina	00:00

Why is this weekend particularly important?

The Canadian Grand Prix could become a pivotal moment in the championship fight.

Mercedes rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli arrives in Montreal leading the Drivers' Championship after victories in China, Japan and Miami. However, teammate George Russell has an exceptional record at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, having claimed pole position in consecutive seasons and converting pole into victory last year.

At the same time, McLaren's impressive upgrade package in Miami has brought the Woking-based team firmly back into contention. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both demonstrated race-winning pace in Florida, and the team is expected to introduce further developments this weekend.

Canada will therefore provide one of the clearest indicators yet of whether Mercedes remain comfortably ahead or if a genuine multi-team title battle is beginning to emerge.

Where is the Canadian GP held?

The race takes place at the iconic Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal, located on Notre Dame Island in the middle of the St Lawrence River.

First hosting Formula 1 in 1978, the venue has become one of the sport's most beloved circuits thanks to its combination of long straights, heavy braking zones and unforgiving concrete walls.

The track is perhaps best known for the infamous Wall of Champions at the final chicane, which has famously caught out several world champions over the years.

Its layout regularly produces overtaking opportunities, Safety Cars and unpredictable strategy battles, making it one of the most entertaining races on the Formula 1 calendar.

What is the weather forecast for Montreal?

Current forecasts suggest mild temperatures in the low twenties throughout the race weekend, with mostly cloudy conditions expected.

However, there remains a possibility of light rain on both Saturday and Sunday, something that could significantly complicate strategy decisions during the Sprint and Grand Prix sessions.

Wet-weather races have often produced dramatic moments in Montreal, and with teams having limited preparation time due to the Sprint format, changing conditions could become a major factor.

Formula 2 and F1 Academy also return in Canada

The support categories will also be in action throughout the weekend.

Formula 2 arrives in Montreal after an eventful round in Miami, where Gabriele Minì secured his maiden Feature Race victory and Nikola Tsolov retained a slender championship lead. Meanwhile, F1 Academy returns with an expanded three-race format after the cancellation of its scheduled Saudi Arabian round.

Audi-backed Emma Felbermayr enters the weekend leading the standings, while Red Bull Racing junior Alisha Palmowski remains firmly in contention heading into Montreal.

A crucial weekend before the European stretch

With a Sprint race, potential rain, limited practice time and a rapidly evolving championship battle, the Canadian Grand Prix promises to be far more than just another stop on the calendar.

For Antonelli, it is an opportunity to strengthen his grip on the title race. For Russell, it is a chance to strike back at one of his strongest circuits. And for McLaren, Canada may reveal whether Miami's breakthrough performance was the start of a genuine challenge for Formula 1's biggest prizes.