What makes the Canadian Grand Prix special – and why you should see it

The Canadian Grand Prix has been a staple on the Formula 1 calendar since its introduction in 1967, moving to its current Montreal home in 1978. With unpredictable weather and dramatic races, it's a circuit loved and respected by drivers and fans.

With the event searching for a permanent home during the 1960s and 1970s, the Grand Prix finally moved to the Circuit Ile Notre-Dame in Montreal where, perhaps fittingly, Canadian Gilles Villeneuve claimed his maiden F1 win at the track that would end up bearing his name.

The Canadian Grand Prix continues to inspire, and the 2026 edition will see Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve host the seventh race weekend of the season on 22-24 May.

The ‘Wall of Champions’

You can’t talk about the circuit without mention of the 'Wall of Champions'. Sitting on the outside of the final chicane, this otherwise regular wall earned its nickname in 1999 after three World Champions – Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve – all crashed there in a single race weekend.

The wall is now one of the calendar’s most unforgiving landmarks. With little room on exit, bumpy kerbs and drivers pushing hard at the end of a lap, it only takes the slightest error for it to be game over...

Beyond the infamous incidents of 1999, others have fallen foul of it too, including future champions. Reigning champion Sebastian Vettel hit the wall during practice in 2011, while Jenson Button crashed there in 2005 – the wall can humble even the sport’s greatest.

When is the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix?

The 2026 Canadian Grand Prix weekend begins on Friday, 22 May with the F1 cars on track for the only Free Practice session of the weekend before Sprint Qualifying later that afternoon. Saturday, 23 May kicks off with the Sprint, followed by Grand Prix Qualifying. The Grand Prix itself takes place on Sunday, 24 May at 1600 local time.

Check out the RACE HUB to see when each F1 session starts in your local time zone, wherever you are in the world.

What’s so great about Circuit Gilles Villeneuve?

Set on the man-made Notre Dame Island and surrounded by the St. Lawrence River, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve feels unlike anywhere else on the F1 calendar. It’s a semi-permanent track built around park roads, blending long, flat-out straights with heavy braking zones and tight chicanes for a true challenge.

From the sweeping Virage Senna at Turn 1 to the hairpin at L’Epingle and the blast past the Casino, it’s a circuit that rewards bravery and punishes hesitation.

Then there’s the weather. Whilst late spring in Montreal can be glorious, it’s just as capable of delivering sudden showers. Rain has played a starring role here more than once, turning strategy on its head.

And wildlife sometimes joins the show too. Groundhogs native to the island have been known to wander on to the track during race weekend, catching drivers off guard – sometimes more than once...

The weekend schedule is full of action, with F1 practice, Qualifying and the Grand Prix supported by other categories, including Round 3 of F1 ACADEMY. That means plenty of track running and multiple chances to see cars at full speed.

Away from the on-track action, the event is always entertaining and welcoming. Grandstands sit close to some of the iconic sections of the circuit, while general admission areas offer wide views across large areas. Fans have plenty more to check out over the weekend too, including the official F1 Fanzone.

The Canadian Grand Prix has produced some of the most legendary moments within the sport, and always promises to be one of the most epic races on the calendar.

Memorable moments in Montreal

Montreal has served up some unforgettable standout moments throughout the years since that first F1 weekend in 1978.

We couldn’t possibly list them all, but here’s a selection to whet your appetite for more…

1978: The first race at the new venue was won by home hero Gilles Villeneuve – his first F1 victory. Following his death at Spa-Francorchamps in 1982, the Montreal circuit was renamed in his honour.

1995: Jean Alesi flew through the field from P5 to claim an emotional victory in the number 27 Ferrari, a number famously associated with Gilles Villeneuve. It was the only F1 win of Alesi's career.

1998: The race began in chaos as Alesi and Jarno Trulli collided and forced a restart – only to then crash again at the same corner.

1999: Four drivers crashed out at the final corner during the Grand Prix – including three World Champions! Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve all saw their race end prematurely there, and thus the ‘Wall of Champions’ was named.

2007: In a race filled with drama as 10 drivers failed to finish – including a big crash for Robert Kubica – it was rookie Lewis Hamilton who prevailed to claim his first Grand Prix win.

2008: Just a year on from his Montreal crash, a chaotic race saw an emotional triumph for Kubica as the Polish racer took the win in a momentous BMW Sauber 1-2.

2011: Jenson Button won a rain-soaked race that stretched over four hours – the longest in F1 history. He surged from last to first in treacherous conditions, sealing victory with an epic last-lap pass on Sebastian Vettel.

2014: Starting from sixth, Daniel Ricciardo seized his first Grand Prix win after problems hit the dominant Mercedes pair. With just two laps to go, he passed Nico Rosberg into the final chicane to take the flag first.

How can I watch the Canadian Grand Prix?

Nothing beats being there! Head to F1 Tickets to secure your place and catch all the action. F1 Experiences has a great range of premium ticket packages too, getting you closer to Formula 1 than ever before.

For details of the broadcaster in your area, click here.

You can also watch the drama unfold via F1 TV Pro (in selected countries only).