The Canadian GP Watchlist

Five things to know ahead of our race in Montreal

Published

20 MAY 2026

Est. reading time

3 min

Atlassian Williams F1 Team is back in Montreal for Round 5 of the 2026 Formula 1 season, with Circuit Gilles Villeneuve ready to host the Canadian GP once again.

It’s a track that never fails to thrill and is one of the most popular on the calendar, known for its high-speed racing in the unique setting of the man-made Île Notre-Dame.

As we get set for lights out, here are five points for Williams fans to focus on during our race weekend:

Sprinting again

Much like last time out in Miami, this weekend’s Canadian GP is a Sprint event.

It’s the first time the format has taken place in Montreal, and with the circuit historically known for producing great races, the shorter 100km format is set to be one not to miss.

Once again, this means just one practice session to get to grips with the FW48 around this high-speed layout. Make sure you’re following our exclusive live feed across all three days.

Earlier than ever

In recent years, the Canadian Grand Prix has been a June staple on the F1 calendar. In its early editions, however, it featured more prominently in autumn.

But 2026 will see the very first Canadian GP held in May – the earliest it has ever taken place. That should mean cooler conditions for the drivers to contend with, and at a venue like Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, getting tyres into the right temperature window will be crucial in both Sprint and Grand Prix qualifying.

The walls are never far away in Montreal

Jade’s set for Round 2

This weekend sees the return of F1 Academy for the first time since China, and it’s set to be a bumper three days for Jade Jacquet.

To make up for the loss of a round in Saudi Arabia, this weekend’s F1 Academy schedule features three races. The ‘Opening Race’ brings a new strategic opportunity for teams and drivers while offering fans even more racing action. Sitting at the start of the series’ weekend schedule, it forms a dynamic trio of formats alongside the Reverse Grid Race and the Feature Race.

The grid for the Opening Race will be set using each driver’s second-fastest qualifying time, meaning drivers must deliver not just one perfect lap, but two. The Opening Race will award full points and contribute to both the drivers’ and teams’ standings. One point will be awarded for the fastest lap, with no points awarded for pole position.

Jade returns to F1 Academy action this weekend

Fond memories

Montreal has provided plenty of fond memories for Williams over the years.

Our first-ever Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship were clinched at this venue in 1980 with Alan Jones and Carlos Reutemann.

Despite missing out on pole position, Alan took the chequered flag for the second consecutive Canadian GP to become the second Australian driver to win the World Championship.

A potentially wet GP

After the opening four rounds of the Formula 1 season, we have yet to see rain on race day – important, as a wet track is often seen as the great leveller in motorsport.

However, Montreal’s famously variable weather could be about to change that this weekend. Two of the last three qualifying sessions at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve have featured heavy downpours.

While Sunday in Canada has often escaped the worst of the weather, that could still be a major external factor to watch this weekend.

Discover the full forecast here.

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20 MAY 2026

The Canadian GP Watchlist

Five things to know ahead of our race in Montreal