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 dramatic races and unpredictable weather, it's a circuit loved and respected by drivers and fans.

After searching for a permanent home during its first decade, the Grand Prix 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. Let's take a look at just some of the reasons Montreal is so marvellous.

The ‘Wall of Champions’

You can’t talk about the Canadian circuit without mentioning 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 practically no 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, other drivers have fallen foul of it too. In 2011, reigning champion Sebastian Vettel hit the wall during practice, while Jenson Button crashed there in 2005.

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 Qualifying for the Grand Prix. 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.

Why we love 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 more than once, turning strategy on its head and challenging the drivers even more.

And wildlife sometimes joins the show too. Groundhogs native to the island have been known to wander on to the track during race weekend!

The weekend schedule is full of action and there's plenty to look forward to every day, with F1 Free Practice, Qualifying and the Grand Prix – and the Sprint sessions – all supported by other categories. That means even more opportunities to see cars on track.

During the day there's the stacked F1 Fanzone too, with activities, entertainment, and the chance to see F1 drivers and team representatives live on stage.

Visiting fans have plenty more to check out over the weekend too, with events and activations taking place in the city over race week.

Memorable moments in Montreal

Montreal has served up some unforgettable moments throughout the years since first hosting an 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.

1999 – Four drivers crashed out at the final corner of the lap – including three World Champions. Ricardo Zonta, 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 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.

2019 – Hamilton and Vettel battled hard for victory, but the German’s detour into the grass earned him a five-second penalty for rejoining the track unsafely, enabling the Briton to win and leaving Vettel fuming in Parc Ferme.

2025: George Russell took Mercedes’ first win of the season from pole, holding on to take the flag behind the Safety Car after Lando Norris ran into the back of team mate Oscar Piastri.

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 in person. 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).