Canadian GP is running right now in Montreal
Montreal’s Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is alive again, and the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix weekend is already delivering drama, surprises, and a reminder that Formula 1’s pecking order is still shifting race by race.
The action kicked off with Practice 1, and it was rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli who set the early benchmark. The Mercedes teenager clocked a 1:13.402, edging out teammate George Russell by just 0.142 seconds. Lewis Hamilton slotted into third, giving Mercedes a 1-3 that had the paddock buzzing. For Antonelli, it’s another sign that his stunning start to the season isn’t a fluke. He’s won the last three races and now leads the championship by 20 points, but he’s staying cautious. Montreal holds special memories for him—he scored his first F1 podium here last year—but he admits he’s not sure he can keep this hot streak alive against a field that’s catching up fast.
That catching up showed in Sprint Qualifying. Mercedes brought a major upgrade package to Canada, their first big push of 2026, and it paid off immediately. Russell looked dialed in from the first run and snatched pole for the Sprint with a 1:12.965, just 0.068 seconds ahead of Antonelli. Norris took third for McLaren, with Piastri fourth, confirming that McLaren’s pace remains strong. Russell was all smiles afterward, saying the car finally feels “back to where it should be” after a tricky start to the year. For Mercedes, this is the response they needed after Miami, where McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull all made gains.
The mood couldn’t be more different at Red Bull. Both Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar were vocal about how undrivable the RB22 felt over Montreal’s notorious bumps and kerbs. Verstappen didn’t hold back, saying his feet were literally “flying off the pedals” through the chicanes and he couldn’t keep the throttle planted. The result? A frustrating P7 for Verstappen and P8 for Hadjar in the Sprint. With Red Bull usually strong in low-downforce tracks, this is a clear warning sign that their 2026 car still has a bouncing problem to solve.
Elsewhere, there were smaller but notable storylines. Dan Fallows, the former Aston Martin technical director, made his first appearance trackside with Racing Bulls this weekend, and eyes will be on what influence he starts to have. Fernando Alonso and Nico Hulkenberg both made it into the top 10 in practice, showing that midfield teams are still very much in the fight.
Looking ahead, the Sprint is up next, with Russell starting from pole and Antonelli right behind him. Qualifying for Sunday’s Grand Prix follows later today, and the race is set for May 24. With Mercedes looking rejuvenated, McLaren consistent, and Red Bull on the back foot, Montreal could be a turning point in the championship fight.
One thing’s clear: after a few races where the order felt settled, the Canadian GP is blowing it wide open again. And with Antonelli chasing a fourth straight win and Russell hungry for his first of the year, the stage is set for a classic around the walls of Montreal.