2026 F1 Canadian Grand Prix: Start time and full weekend schedule

The 2026 Formula 1 season reaches Round 5 this weekend at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix. The 70-lap race is scheduled for a 16:00 local time start on Sunday, May 24th, which translates to 21:00 BST in the UK and 22:00 CET across Europe.

Why it matters:

The Canadian Grand Prix marks the fifth round of the 2026 season and returns to the calendar after a three-year COVID absence. This year's event features a sprint weekend format, adding extra pressure on teams to get their setups right quickly.

The details:

• Friday, May 22: Free Practice 1 runs from 18:30 to 19:30 local time, followed by Sprint Qualifying from 22:30 to 23:14.
• Saturday, May 23: The Sprint race takes place from 18:00 to 19:00 local time, with Qualifying for the main race starting at 22:00.
• Sunday, May 24: The Canadian Grand Prix itself starts at 16:00 local time (22:00 UTC).
• Mercedes is expected to introduce a major upgrades package this weekend, which could shake up the competitive order.
• Max Verstappen could be a real threat if he has a smooth weekend, according to paddock observers.

What's next:

With a sprint weekend compressing practice time, teams will need to maximize their single practice session before heading into qualifying on Friday evening. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve's unique combination of high-speed straights and tight chicanes often produces unpredictable racing, and rain is forecast to potentially lash the track over the weekend.