Formula One returns to North America as the teams head to Circuit Gilles‑Villeneuve for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix, which this year takes place in May for the first time.

Montreal has hosted numerous important international events, including the 1967 International and Universal Exposition, commonly known as Expo 67. Notre Dame Island, where Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve now sits, was built in just ten months using 15 million tons of rock excavated during the construction of the Montreal Metro in the early 1960s. The island was created for Expo 67 as part of Canada’s centennial celebrations.

Originally known as the Île Notre-Dame Circuit, the venue was completed in 1978. The 4.361-kilometer layout features 14 corners linked by several long straights. Its defining characteristic is its so-called stop-and-go nature, making strong braking stability and traction crucial for a competitive lap time. Despite being essentially a street circuit, overtaking opportunities are plentiful, particularly at the end of the straight leading into the final chicane, just before the famous Wall of Champions, which in 1999 caught out Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher, and Jacques Villeneuve.

The 2026 event marked the 55th edition of the Canadian Grand Prix and the 45th held on Île Notre-Dame, as earlier editions took place at Mont-Tremblant and Mosport Park. Canada also retains the record for the longest Grand Prix in Formula One history, a mark likely to stand unless regulations change. The rain-soaked 2011 race, won by Jenson Button, lasted 4 hours, 4 minutes, and 39 seconds.

The drivers with the most victories in Canada are Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher with seven wins each. The pair also share the record for the most pole positions with six apiece. Among constructors, McLaren leads with 13 victories, followed by Ferrari with 12.

FRIDAY

George Russell claimed pole position for the Sprint race during Friday’s qualifying session in Canada. The Englishman narrowly outpaced teammate Kimi Antonelli to lock out the front row for Mercedes ahead of Saturday’s Sprint.

Behind the Mercedes pair was reigning world champion Lando Norris, who managed to stay ahead of his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.

SATURDAY

George Russell won the Sprint race in Montreal, but not without pressure from his feisty teammate Kimi Antonelli. The young Italian chased Russell for several laps before losing out at Turn 2 and later being overtaken by McLaren’s Lando Norris.

Russell’s strong weekend continued later in the day as he secured pole position for the Canadian Grand Prix on his final lap in qualifying, finishing just 0.068 seconds ahead of Antonelli. Norris completed the top three, a further 0.083 seconds behind in the McLaren.

SUNDAY

Kimi Antonelli claimed victory in the Canadian Grand Prix after a dramatic race at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. The 19-year-old Italian found himself in a fierce battle with Mercedes teammate George Russell, whose race ended prematurely after a Power Unit failure forced him to retire.

Behind Antonelli, two world champions returned to the podium, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton finishing second for Ferrari ahead of Max Verstappen in third place.

With the track still slightly damp before the start, several drivers opted for Intermediate tyres, including both McLaren drivers, Audi, Cadillac, and Carlos Sainz. in the Williams Racing. However, as the circuit dried rapidly, the field switched to slick tyres within the opening three laps.

The strategy proved costly for the McLaren drivers in particular, as both returned from their pit stops near the back of the field and out of contention for the podium positions.

For most drivers, a one-stop strategy proved to be the correct choice. The top four finishers, all of whom started on the C5 compound, took advantage of a Virtual Safety Car period on lap 31 to switch to the C4 tire.

With this victory, Antonelli strengthened his lead in the championship standings. The Italian now holds a 43-point advantage over George Russell, while Charles Leclerc sits third in the standings, 56 points behind.

The Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve never disappoints. This was a race that had it all: great racing, drama, joy for some and heartbreak for others, and plenty of speed, with only four drivers finishing on the lead lap and six failing to see the checkered flag. Vive Montréal!

Excerpts and media courtesy of Pirelli S.p.A. and the official Formula 1 team press offices. All images are provided via Getty Images through the respective team media platforms and are credited to their rightful copyright holders. Used for editorial purposes only. Not for sale.