About the Canadian Grand Prix

The Canadian Grand Prix is one of Formula 1’s most popular and distinctive events, held at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. First joining the world championship calendar in 1967, the race has built a reputation for producing dramatic weekends thanks to its low downforce demands, heavy braking zones, and unforgiving walls. Since moving to Montreal in 1978, the event has become a firm favourite among drivers and fans alike, with the circuit’s island setting and the city’s festival atmosphere helping make it one of the standout stops of the season.

Located on Ile Notre Dame in the Saint Lawrence River, the Canadian Grand Prix combines a fast, flowing lap with several chicanes and a tight hairpin that create regular overtaking opportunities. The track is also home to the famous Wall of Champions at the final chicane, one of Formula 1’s most recognisable landmarks. With changeable weather, frequent safety car interruptions, and little margin for error, Montreal often delivers unpredictable and entertaining races.

Canadian GP 2026 Schedule

Session Your Time Local Time (Montreal)
Practice 1 22 May, 12:30 – 13:30 (UTC-4)
Sprint Qualifying 22 May, 16:30 – 17:14 (UTC-4)
Sprint 23 May, 12:00 – 13:00 (UTC-4)
Qualifying 23 May, 16:00 – 17:00 (UTC-4)
Race 24 May, 16:00 (UTC-4)
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Canadian Grand Prix Fast Facts

First held (in current format) 1978
Circuit Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
Location Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Number of laps 70
Circuit length 4.361 km
Race distance 305.270 km
Lap record (race) 1:13.078 – Valtteri Bottas (2019)
Most wins (driver) Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton – 7
Top speed ≈ 350 km/h (217 mph)

Canadian GP Past Winners

Year Winner Team
2025 George Russell Mercedes
2024 Max Verstappen Red Bull
2023 Max Verstappen Red Bull
2022 Max Verstappen Red Bull
2021 Cancelled —
2020 Cancelled —
2019 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes
2018 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari
2017 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes
2016 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes
2015 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes
2014 Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull
2013 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull
2012 Lewis Hamilton McLaren
2011 Jenson Button McLaren
2010 Lewis Hamilton McLaren
2009 Cancelled —
2008 Robert Kubica BMW Sauber
2007 Lewis Hamilton McLaren
2006 Fernando Alonso Renault
2005 Kimi Raikkonen McLaren
2004 Michael Schumacher Ferrari
2003 Michael Schumacher Ferrari
2002 Michael Schumacher Ferrari
2001 Ralf Schumacher Williams
2000 Michael Schumacher Ferrari
1999 Mika Hakkinen McLaren
1998 Michael Schumacher Ferrari
1997 Michael Schumacher Ferrari
1996 Damon Hill Williams
1995 Jean Alesi Ferrari
1994 Michael Schumacher Benetton
1993 Alain Prost Williams
1992 Gerhard Berger McLaren
1991 Nelson Piquet Benetton
1990 Ayrton Senna McLaren
1989 Thierry Boutsen Williams
1988 Ayrton Senna McLaren
1987 Cancelled —
1986 Nigel Mansell Williams
1985 Michele Alboreto Ferrari
1984 Nelson Piquet Brabham
1983 René Arnoux Ferrari
1982 Nelson Piquet Brabham
1981 Jacques Laffite Ligier
1980 Alan Jones Williams
1979 Alan Jones Williams
1978 Gilles Villeneuve Ferrari
1977 Jody Scheckter Wolf
1976 James Hunt McLaren
1975 Cancelled —
1974 Emerson Fittipaldi McLaren
1973 Peter Revson McLaren
1972 Jackie Stewart Tyrrell
1971 Jackie Stewart Tyrrell
1970 Jacky Ickx Ferrari
1969 Jacky Ickx Brabham
1968 Denny Hulme McLaren
1967 Jack Brabham Brabham

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is one of Formula 1’s most distinctive and best loved venues, hosting the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal since 1978. Set on Ile Notre Dame in the Saint Lawrence River, the track was created on the roads of the island and quickly became known for its unusual mix of long straights, hard braking zones, and quick direction changes. Originally called Circuit Ile Notre Dame, the venue was later renamed in honour of Gilles Villeneuve after the beloved Ferrari driver’s death in 1982, adding even more history and emotion to one of Formula 1’s most popular destinations.

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve | Formula 1
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve | Formula 1

The circuit measures 4.361 km and features 14 corners, with a stop start layout that places huge stress on brakes while still rewarding strong traction and straight line speed. Drivers face several heavy braking points, most notably into Turn 1, the hairpin at Turn 10, and the final chicane that leads onto the Wall of Champions. The narrow margins, frequent safety cars, and ever present risk of mistakes mean Montreal often delivers dramatic races, while the track’s combination of speed and precision makes it a true specialist challenge.

  • Track length: 4.361 km
  • Laps: 70
  • Corners: 14
  • Lap record: 1:13.078 — Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes, 2019)
  • Capacity: Approximately 100,000
  • First F1 race: 1978

Canadian GP FAQs

When is the Canadian GP 2026?

The Canadian Grand Prix runs from 22 to 24 May 2026 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. See the schedule above for exact times in your local timezone and track time.

How many laps is the Canadian GP?

The Canadian GP is contested over 70 laps around Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

What is the length of the Canadian F1 track?

The circuit length in Montreal is 4.361 km per lap.

Who holds the Canadian GP lap record?

The race lap record at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is 1:13.078, set by Valtteri Bottas in 2019.

Which driver has most Canadian GP wins?

Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton share the record with seven Canadian Grand Prix victories each.

What makes the Canadian GP special?

Montreal combines long straights, heavy braking zones, the famous Wall of Champions, and unpredictable races, making it one of Formula 1’s most exciting and distinctive events.