Canadian GP: Thursday's Media Day in Pictures

Formula 1 has arrived in Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix, the second race of the North American leg and the fifth round of the 2026 season. Thursday's media day saw teams and drivers face the press before hitting the track, with Mercedes and rookie Kimi Antonelli carrying momentum from early-season success.

Why it matters:

After four rounds, the championship battle is taking shape. Mercedes leads the constructors' standings, while Antonelli has opened a small gap in the drivers' championship. Montreal's unique circuit – with its long straights and heavy braking zones – will test both power unit reliability and chassis agility, making this a pivotal weekend for title contenders.

The details:

• Championship context: Mercedes enters Round 5 with a 12-point lead over Ferrari in the constructors' fight. Antonelli holds a 7-point advantage over McLaren's Oscar Piastri in the drivers' standings.
• Circuit characteristics: The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve demands low-downforce setups and strong traction out of slow corners, favoring teams with efficient power units and good mechanical grip.
• Weather factor: Early forecasts suggest a dry weekend, though Montreal's unpredictable climate could still throw curveballs during practice or qualifying.
• Media day highlights: Drivers participated in press conferences and photo sessions, with Antonelli drawing significant attention as the championship leader. Lewis Hamilton, now at Ferrari, faced questions about the team's recent form after a mixed start to 2026.

What's next:

The action begins with FP1 on Friday, followed by qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday. All eyes will be on whether Mercedes can extend its streak or if rivals like Ferrari and Red Bull can close the gap on a track that often produces unexpected results.