F1 Canadian GP Preview: Everything You Need to Know

Formula One returns to North America this weekend with the paddock making the trip to Montreal, Canada and it’s safe to say teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli is favourite ahead of the 70-lap race.

The 19-year-old Italian clinched his third consecutive win after starting on pole position at the Miami Grand Prix three weeks ago.

His Mercedes teammate George Russell now trails by 20 points in the drivers’ championship after four race weekends.

The reigning constructors champions McLaren have started to find their feet in this year’s championship with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finishing 2^nd and 3^rd in Miami reigniting their bid to retain their championship.

So you don’t miss a thing, here’s everything you need to know for the fifth race of the season.

Canadian Grand Prix schedule

All times in BST

Friday, May 22
Practice One: 17:30 – 18:30
Sprint Qualifying: 21:30 – 22:15

Saturday, May 23
Sprint: 17:00 – 18:00
Qualifying: 21:00 – 22:00

Sunday, May 24
Canadian Grand Prix: 21:00

Canadian GP track: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is named after the Canadian driver, who tragically lost his life in qualifying at the Belgian Grand Prix in 1982.

Just four years before his death Villeneuve claimed victory at the first Canadian Grand Prix becoming a hometown hero.

This track tends to be one of the drivers’ favourites with two long straights, very tight hairpins and few run off areas. The famous “Wall of Champions” is located at the exit of Turn 14 and was nicknamed in 1999 after the race because three world champions Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve all crashed there in a single weekend.

What makes this track such a fan favourite is the addition of the local wildlife, who often misbehave one race weekend! Groundhogs are often seen on the track on the pit straight.

Weather forecast

The weather is always unpredictable at this circuit and rain always tends make an appearance and affect the race. On Friday through to Sunday the forecast is showing as light rain and winds, with temperatures reaching up to 22 °C.

Who will win?

This is certainbly a faviourite of Toto Wolff and Mercedes. They’ve been strong at this circuit for a long time and it particualry suits Geroge Russel well.

The Brit has earned two pole positions and a race win over the last two years.

Mercedes have brought their first major upgrade package to this weekend’s race with compeitiors, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren making notable improvements last time out in Miami.