Organized by Bell GPCanada, the event continues to be one of the longest running races on the Formula 1 calendar. First held in 1967, the Canadian Grand Prix has been staged in Montréal since 1978, becoming a regular fixture on Île Notre Dame. The circuit itself is named after Gilles Villeneuve, the Ferrari driver whose legacy remains closely tied to the event.
Over the years, the race has been known for unpredictable weather, safety car interventions, and notable moments including the 2011 race, which remains the longest in Formula 1 history. The Montréal race is a highlight every year and is often considered one of the best of the season.
Opening Ceremony and On Site Programming
For 2026, organizers have confirmed an opening ceremony titled Racing for Life, developed by Gregory Charles and Hugues Letellier. The ceremony will take place on a purpose built stage integrated into the circuit and will include musical performances, a choir, and a drumline from the Montréal Carabins.
Scheduled performers include Matt Lang, Boogat, Véronic DiCaire and Kim Richardson. The national anthem will be performed by a 30 member ensemble, and the Snowbirds are scheduled to conduct an aerial demonstration.
CGV Experience Expands Off Track Activities
In addition to on track sessions, the CGV Experience at Jean Doré Beach will serve as the primary fan activation area. The site is designed to operate throughout the race weekend, combining live entertainment with race viewing infrastructure.
The program includes a series of concerts featuring Canadian artists such as Bryan Adams, Simple Plan, Alessia Cara, The Beaches, Matt Lang and Dean Brody.
The CGV Experience also includes large scale viewing screens broadcasting all Formula 1 sessions, allowing spectators without grandstand access to follow the race weekend in real time. Additional infrastructure includes seating areas, shaded spaces, and food and beverage vendors. Organizers describe the site as a combined viewing and entertainment zone operating in parallel with the racing schedule.
Changes to Race Weekend Format
The 2026 Canadian Grand Prix will introduce a Sprint race format in Montréal for the first time. This format changes the 3 practices, qualifying, race format into 1 practice, sprint qualifying, sprint race, qualifying, and then race format.
- 22 May – PRACTICE 1 – 12:30 – 13:30 EST
- 22 May – SPRINT QUALIFYING – 16:30 – 17:14 EST
- 23 May – SPRINT – 12:00 – 13:00 EST
- 23 May – QUALIFYING – 16:00 – 17:00 EST
- 24 May – RACE – 16:00 EST
The event will also feature the FIA Formula 2 Championship, marking an expansion of the support program and providing additional track sessions across the weekend.
F1 Academy Introduces New Race Structure
The F1 Academy will compete in Montréal as part of its 2026 season and will debut a revised three race format at this event.
The format includes an Opening Race, a Reverse Grid Race, and a Feature Race. The Opening Race grid will be determined by each driver’s second fastest lap time in qualifying, introducing an additional strategic component. Points will be awarded for race results and fastest lap, contributing to both drivers’ and teams’ standings.
The series, launched in 2023, is designed to support the progression of female drivers within motorsport and continues to run alongside selected Formula 1 events.
2026 Formula 1 Drivers Standings
As of May 3, 2026, the Drivers’ Championship standings are as follows:
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) 100 points
- George Russell(Mercedes) 80 points
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 59 points
- Lando Norris (McLaren) 51 points
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) 51 points
- Oscar Piastri(McLaren) 43 points
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 26 points
- Oliver Bearman (Haas) 17 points
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) 16 points
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) 10 points
- Franco Colapinto (Alpine) 7 points
- Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) 4 points
- Isack Hadjar(Red Bull) 4 points
- Carlos Sainz Jnr (Williams) 4 points
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) 2 points
- Esteban Ocon (Haas) 1 point
- Alexander Albon (Williams) 1 point
- Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) 0 points
- Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) 0 points
- Sergio Perez (Cadillac) 0 points
- Fernando Alonso(Aston Martin) 0 points
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) 0 points
Constructors Standings
- Mercedes 180 points
- Ferrari 110 points
- McLaren 94 points
- Red Bull 30 points
- Alpine 23 points
- Haas 18 points
- Racing Bulls 14 points
- Williams 5 points
- Audi 2 points
- Cadillac 0 points
- Aston Martin 0 points
*Last updated May 3, 2026
Event Overview
The Canadian Grand Prix weekend in 2026 will include Formula 1 sessions, Sprint race qualifying and competition, FIA Formula 2 races, and the expanded F1 Academy schedule. Off track programming will run concurrently, with the CGV Experience acting as a central location for concerts and public viewing.
Tickets and additional event details are available through official Grand Prix of Canada channels.
