Formula 1 Canadian GP 2026: TV times, programme and the world championship battle between Antonelli, Ferrari and Verstappen

Formula 1 returns to Montreal for one of the most spectacular and unpredictable events of the entire season. The 2026 Canadian Grand Prix comes at a very delicate moment in the championship, with technical balances still evolving and a world title fight that, race after race, is becoming ever more intense.

At the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, with long straights, heavy braking zones and walls always very close, the World Championship enters a crucial phase. The Sprint format increases the pressure even further on the drivers and teams, forced to find the right technical compromise immediately with just one free practice session available.

Mercedes arrives in Canada with Kimi Antonelli at the top of the world championship, now a genuine revelation of the season, while Ferrari is looking for concrete answers after difficult weeks. McLaren continues to improve, Red Bull is trying to rediscover consistency and Max Verstappen remains the man to beat when the tension rises.

Canada GP 2026: Formula 1 weekend times

The Canadian weekend will get underway on Friday with free practice at 18:30 Italian time. In the evening, at 22:30, there will be Sprint qualifying, which will determine the starting grid for Saturday’s short race.

The full weekend programme

Friday 22 May

Free Practice – 18:30
Sprint Qualifying – 22:30

Saturday 23 May

Sprint Race – 18:00
GP Qualifying – 22:00

Sunday 24 May

Canada GP race – 22:00

Where to watch the 2026 Canada GP on TV

The entire Canadian Grand Prix weekend will be broadcast live on Sky Sport F1, Sky Sport Uno and streamed on NOW. Fans will be able to follow every session of the Canadian weekend, including free practice, Sprint Race, qualifying and the race.

TV8 will broadcast some weekend sessions free-to-air, confirming coverage dedicated to the Sprint format.

2026 Canada GP TV schedule

Live on Sky Sport F1 and NOW

Friday 22 May
Free Practice – 18:30
Sprint Qualifying – 22:30

Saturday 23 May
Sprint Race – 18:00
Qualifying – 22:00

Sunday 24 May
Race – 22:00

Live on TV8

Sprint Race – Saturday 18:00
Qualifying – Saturday 22:00

Delayed on TV8

Canada GP race – Sunday 23:30

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve: the track where courage counts

Montreal remains one of the most loved circuits by drivers and one of the most feared by engineers. The Canadian circuit leaves no margin for error: the walls are close, the run-off areas are limited and the braking zones are a constant challenge for cars and tyres.

Top speed, strong traction out of the chicanes and a car stable over the aggressive kerbs are all needed here. The famous “Wall of Champions” remains the symbol of the Canadian track, an iconic spot that over the years has punished even the most illustrious names in Formula 1.

The characteristics of the track could favour Mercedes and McLaren, who have looked particularly effective on stop-and-go circuits. Ferrari, meanwhile, is hoping to exploit its potential on a flying lap, while Red Bull is counting on experience and Verstappen’s ability to make the difference at decisive moments.

Antonelli leads Mercedes: Canada can change the World Championship

The paddock’s attention is all on Kimi Antonelli. The young Italian arrives in Montreal as championship leader after a surprising first part of the season, during which he has shown speed, maturity and the consistency of a veteran.

In Canada, however, the pressure level will rise even further. The Montreal circuit rewards aggression and precision, two qualities Antonelli has shown consistently in recent races. On the eve of the weekend, the Mercedes driver spoke about the need to build confidence with the car immediately, stressing how important it will be to make the most of the only free practice session.

George Russell also highlighted the improvement of the German car in slow corners and in traction phases, aspects that could become decisive on the Canadian track.

Mercedes therefore arrives at the Canada GP knowing that it now has a car capable of fighting consistently for wins and podiums.

Ferrari seeks redemption: Hamilton and Leclerc called upon to respond

The Canadian weekend is also an important step for Ferrari. The Maranello team comes from difficult races, in which problems have emerged both in tyre management and in race pace.

Lewis Hamilton continues to defend the Ferrari project, urging the environment to remain calm and united despite results below expectations. The seven-time world champion reiterated his confidence in the team’s work, stressing that the championship is still long and open.

Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, appears more confident about the characteristics of the Montreal circuit. The Monegasque believes that the long accelerations and aggressive braking zones may suit the SF-26 better than the latest tracks tackled.

At Ferrari, anticipation is also growing for the next technical updates, considered fundamental to relaunching the Italian team’s world title ambitions.

Verstappen and McLaren ready to attack

Max Verstappen remains one of the big names expected to shine over the Canadian weekend. Even in a season more complicated than Red Bull’s recent dominance, the Dutchman continues to pose a constant threat thanks to his ability to push street and semi-permanent circuits to the limit.

The Canada GP could also highlight McLaren’s qualities, as it has looked very competitive in recent races, especially in terms of aerodynamic efficiency and tyre management.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri arrive in Montreal convinced they can play a leading role in the fight for the podium and victory.

Formula 1 Canada GP 2026: anticipation for a high-tension weekend

The Canadian Grand Prix confirms itself as one of the most eagerly awaited events of the 2026 World Championship. The Sprint format, the narrow gaps between the top teams and the unique characteristics of the Montreal circuit promise a weekend full of tension and twists.

Between Ferrari’s chase, Mercedes’ progress, McLaren’s strength and Verstappen’s desire for revenge, Canada could become a decisive turning point in the fight for the world title.