After a well-earned break following a grueling European triple-header, Formula 1 returns to action this weekend at the legendary Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for the Canadian Grand Prix. With McLaren’s Oscar Piastri riding a wave of dominance (5 wins in 9 races) but facing renewed competition, here’s everything you need to know about F1’s thrilling Montreal weekend.
Race Essentials
📅 Date: Sunday, June 15
⏰ Race Start: 2:00 p.m. ET / 18:00 GMT
📍 Circuit: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (4.361 km, 14 turns)
📺 U.S. Broadcast: ABC (Pre-race at 12:30 p.m. ET)
🌍 Global Stream: F1 TV Pro, ESPN+ (U.S.), Sky Sports (UK)
Weekend Schedule (All Times Eastern)
Friday, June 13
- Practice 1: 1:30 p.m. (ESPNU/F1 TV)
- Practice 2: 5:00 p.m. (ESPNU/F1 TV)
Saturday, June 14
- Practice 3: 12:30 p.m. (ESPN2/F1 TV)
- Qualifying: 4:00 p.m. (ESPN2/F1 TV)
Sunday, June 15
- Canadian GP Race: 2:00 p.m. (ABC/F1 TV)
Storylines to Watch
1. McLaren’s Dominance Tested
Piastri (186 pts) and teammate Lando Norris (176 pts) have combined for 7 wins in 9 races, but Montreal’s mix of long straights and heavy braking zones could favor:
- Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (137 pts) – Won last year’s rain-affected race
- Mercedes’ George Russell – Led 2024’s wet-to-dry thriller before finishing P3
2. New Wing Regulations in Action
After the FIA’s flexible wing clampdown in Spain showed minimal impact, teams bring upgrades to:
- Combat “porpoising” on Montreal’s bumpy surface
- Optimize straight-line speed for the 1.2 km back straight
3. Weather Wildcard
With a 40% chance of rain forecast for Sunday, teams prepare for:
- Potential safety car scenarios (2011 saw 6 safety car periods)
- Tire strategy chaos like 2024’s drying-track drama
Circuit Characteristics
- Top Speed: 330+ km/h (205+ mph) on back straight
- Overtaking Hotspots: Turns 1, 10, and 13
- Critical Sector: Sector 2’s “Wall of Champions” complex
2025 Season Snapshot
Drivers’ Championship Top 5:
- Piastri (McLaren) – 186 pts
- Norris (McLaren) – 176 pts
- Verstappen (Red Bull) – 137 pts
- Russell (Mercedes) – 111 pts
- Leclerc (Ferrari) – 94 pts
Constructors’ Standings:
- McLaren – 362 pts
- Ferrari – 165 pts
- Mercedes – 159 pts
How to Watch Worldwide
| Country | Broadcaster |
|---|---|
| USA | ABC/ESPN/ESPN+ |
| UK | Sky Sports F1 |
| Canada | TSN/RDS |
| Australia | Fox Sports/Network 10 |
| Global | F1 TV Pro |
Montreal’s Memorable Moments
- 2011: Jenson Button’s last-lap pass after 4-hour rain marathon
- 2024: Verstappen vs. Russell vs. Norris wheel-to-wheel in drying conditions
- 2025 Wildcard: Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton seeks first win at his favorite circuit
Expert Predictions
- Pole Position: Piastri (-120 favorite)
- Race Winner: Verstappen (+200) favored if rain arrives
- Dark Horse: Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli (+1800)
“McLaren should dominate, but Montreal always delivers chaos,” says Sky Sports’ Ted Kravitz. “One safety car could flip this entire race.”