2026 F1 Canadian Grand Prix start time

The 2026 F1 Canadian Grand Prix, the fifth round of the season, takes place at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Sunday, May 24, with the 70-lap race starting at 16:00 local time. This year marks a calendar shift, moving the event from its traditional mid-June slot to late May.

Why it matters:

The Canadian GP is a fan-favorite with a mix of high-speed straights and tight chicanes, often producing unpredictable racing. The revised date also means teams face a different weather window, which could influence setup and tire strategies.

The details:

• Race start: Sunday, May 24, 16:00 local time (21:00 BST / 22:00 CET)
• Sprint weekend: The event features a sprint race on Saturday, adding extra points and action.
  • Sprint qualifying: Friday, May 22, 22:30 local time
  • Sprint race: Saturday, May 23, 18:00 local time
  • Qualifying for the main race: Saturday, May 23, 22:00 local time
• Free practice: FP1 on Friday, May 22, 18:30-19:30 local time

What's next:

With Mercedes reportedly bringing a major upgrade package and Max Verstappen aiming for a clean weekend, Montreal could shake up the championship order. Weather forecasts suggest possible disruptions, adding another variable to the weekend.