Canadian Grand Prix FP1: Key Practice Session Underway at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

The Canadian Grand Prix weekend has kicked off with Free Practice 1 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, the only practice session before Sprint Qualifying later today. With rain forecast for Sunday's race, this 60-minute window is vital for teams to fine-tune setups and gather data.### Why it matters:With only one practice session before Sprint Qualifying, every lap counts. The unique nature of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve — a mix of long straights, tight chicanes, and heavy braking zones — demands precise setup work. Any misjudgment could compromise qualifying and the race, especially with unpredictable weather ahead.### The details:* Session timing: FP1 runs from 12:30 local time (17:30 UK), lasting 60 minutes under sunny skies at the start.* Circuit characteristics: The 4.361 km track features low-grip surfaces and high curb usage, making tire management and brake cooling critical.* Sprint format impact: This is the only practice hour before Sprint Qualifying, forcing teams to prioritize fast setup decisions rather than long-run data collection.* Weather factor: Rain is expected on Sunday, so teams may test wet or intermediate setups and practice pit stops for potential changing conditions.* Key areas: Teams are focusing on engine mapping for the long back straight, rear-wing stability through the final chicane, and brake duct cooling for heavy braking zones like Turn 1 and Turn 10.### What's next:Sprint Qualifying begins at 16:30 local time, followed by the Sprint race on Saturday and the Grand Prix on Sunday. With limited track time, the results of FP1 will heavily influence team strategies for the rest of the weekend. The weather forecast remains the biggest unknown, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to an already compressed schedule.