Previewing the Canadian Grand Prix 2025

Formula 1 heads to Montreal, Canada, for Round 10 of the season. This event is particularly significant for Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll and his son, driver Lance Stroll, as it`s their home race.

Aston Martin confirmed Lance Stroll will compete this weekend. He was absent from the Spanish Grand Prix two weeks prior, despite participating in qualifying, due to a wrist injury.

The Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal is known for its opportunities for overtaking, its challenging lack of generous run-off areas, and the frequent appearance of groundhogs on the track – sometimes with unfortunate outcomes for both the wildlife and the cars.

Notably, Max Verstappen faces potential pressure this weekend as he is just one penalty point away from a race ban following his incident with George Russell in Spain.

Weather Forecast

The forecast for the 44th Canadian Grand Prix indicates cloudy conditions on Friday, improving to sunnier skies with temperatures around 22°C for Saturday and Sunday.

Recent Updates

• The 2026 Formula 1 calendar has been released, featuring a new race in Madrid at the Madring circuit and the removal of Imola.

• Red Bull`s new track-focused car, the RB17, is available for $6.7 million.

• The FIA has granted a Formula 1 superlicence to Red Bull junior driver Arvid Lindblad, notable as he received it before his 18th birthday.

• A preview of the race and the latest episode of ESPN`s F1 podcast `Unlapped` are available, featuring hosts Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson reporting directly from Montreal.

Circuit History and Statistics

Canada first hosted a Grand Prix in 1967 at circuits like Mont-Tremblant and Mosport near Toronto. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal made its debut in 1978 and has been a consistent fixture on the calendar since then.

Canadian racing legend Gilles Villeneuve won the inaugural event. Four years after his passing, in 1982, the circuit was renamed in his honour.

Both fans and drivers appreciate the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. It`s uniquely located on the artificial island of Notre Dame in the St. Lawrence River. The island was originally constructed for Expo 67, a world fair in 1967, and subsequently used for the 1976 Summer Olympics before being adapted for Formula 1 racing.

The track features two long straights making it fast, yet it`s also unforgiving due to walls positioned close to the track, minimal run-off areas, and sharp hairpins that require drivers to utilize the kerbs, especially before the opening and final chicanes.

Looking ahead, the Canadian Grand Prix will move to a slightly earlier slot next year, following the Miami race. This schedule change is intended to keep F1 freight within North America, aligning with Formula 1 Management`s efforts to reduce travel distances, improve sustainability, and enhance cost efficiency.

Canadian Grand Prix

• Circuit: Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve; Montreal, Canada
• First F1 race: 1978
• Lap record: 1:13.078, Valtteri Bottas (2019)
• Most Wins: Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher (7 wins each). Among current drivers:
  • Lewis Hamilton (7)
  • Fernando Alonso (1)
  • Max Verstappen (3)
• Most Poles: Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher (6 poles each). Among current drivers:
  • Fernando Alonso (1)
  • Lewis Hamilton (6)
  • Max Verstappen (2)
  • George Russell (1)
• Unique Features: A hybrid track combining elements of a street circuit with long straights, challenging chicanes, and the infamous Wall of Champions.
• Driver Quote: Esteban Ocon: `The Montreal circuit is definitely one of my favourite tracks and it`s a fantastic event. The atmosphere in the city is great: the whole of Montreal becomes a giant motorsport festival. You feel the energy and excitement everywhere in the city.`

Recap of the 2024 Race

Max Verstappen secured his third consecutive victory at the circuit in a hard-fought race for Red Bull, affected by rain and multiple safety cars. Lando Norris finished second; he had led the race by over 10 seconds before the first safety car period altered the situation. Pole-sitter George Russell completed the podium in third place for Mercedes.

Predictions

Considering the current season form, it`s difficult to look past McLaren for a potential victory.

Comparing the McLaren teammates, Oscar Piastri has shown an advantage on tracks with high-speed corners, while Lando Norris has been stronger in slow-speed sections.

Given Montreal`s combination of fast straights and slow corners, we anticipate Norris being a strong contender.

Championship Standings Overview

In the drivers` championship, Oscar Piastri holds a reduced lead of just 10 points over Lando Norris. Piastri has secured five wins this season compared to Norris`s two.

Max Verstappen is currently third, 39 points behind Norris, also with two victories.

In the constructors` championship, McLaren holds a significant lead with 362 points, sitting 197 points ahead of second-placed Ferrari.

How to Watch

In the U.S., coverage is available on ESPN and ESPN+.

In the U.K., live broadcasts can be found on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.

For comprehensive news, analysis, and live updates, follow ESPN`s F1 team, including Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson reporting directly from Montreal.