Canadian Grand Prix 2025 Preview

F1 news

Formula 1 briefly leaves its European swing to return across the Atlantic for the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has been a fixture on the F1 calendar since 1978 and is the sport`s most established North American track, known for exciting races and memorable moments.

McLaren arrives in Canada in a strong position, having secured their second one-two finish of the season in the recent Spanish Grand Prix.

Oscar Piastri extended his lead in the Drivers` Championship after his fifth win of 2025. Teammate Lando Norris is 10 points behind, while reigning champion Max Verstappen trails by 49 points following a penalty for a collision.

McLaren holds a significant 197-point lead in the Constructors` Championship over Ferrari, who have moved into second place ahead of Mercedes and Red Bull.

This makes Montreal a critical weekend for Max Verstappen, who has won the last three Canadian GPs, as he aims to close the championship gap. Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time winner at the venue, will also look to improve his season performance.

The F1 Academy series also features in Montreal, hosting three races for its fourth round after the previous event in Miami was canceled due to heavy rain.

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Track Layout

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris battle at the 2024 Canadian GP
Race winner Max Verstappen and Lando Norris battle at the 2024 Canadian GP

Located on the man-made Notre Dame Island, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, named after the Canadian racing legend, is popular with drivers for its high speed and layout that encourages overtaking.

The 2.71-mile track demands heavy braking at key points like the first chicane, Turn 10 hairpin, and the final chicane after the long back straight. The proximity of walls and barriers adds to the difficulty.

A notable challenge is the `Wall of Champions` on the exit of the final chicane. Named after the 1999 race where former champions Jacques Villeneuve, Damon Hill, and race leader Michael Schumacher all crashed there, it punishes even small mistakes.

Max Verstappen made contact with the Wall of Champions in his Red Bull in the closing moments of P3 in 2024
Max Verstappen made contact with the Wall of Champions in the closing moments of P3 in 2024

Canadian GP Weather in Montreal

While rain can sometimes affect the Montreal weekend, the current forecast suggests pleasant weather with sunny intervals. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-20s Celsius.

Canadian GP 2025: Dates and UK Schedule

Thursday June 12

8pm: Drivers` Press Conference

Friday June 13

4pm: F1 Academy Practice One
6pm: Canadian GP Practice One (session starts at 6.30pm)
8pm: The F1 Show
9pm: Team Principals` Press Conference
9.30pm: Canadian GP Practice Two (session starts at 10pm)
11.25pm: F1 Academy Qualifying

Saturday June 14

2.10pm: F1 Academy Race One
5.15pm: Canadian GP Practice Three (session starts at 5.30pm)
7.30pm: F1 Academy Race Two
8.30pm: Canadian GP Qualifying build-up
9pm: CANADIAN GP QUALIFYING
11pm: Ted`s Qualifying Notebook

Sunday June 15

3.50pm: F1 Academy Race Three
5.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Canadian GP build-up
7pm: THE CANADIAN GRAND PRIX
9pm: Chequered Flag: Canadian GP reaction
10pm: Ted`s Notebook

The 2025 Formula 1 season continues with the Canadian Grand Prix from June 13-15.

Rupert Blackshaw
Rupert Blackshaw

Rupert Blackshaw is a versatile sports journalist based in Bristol who has been covering multiple sports for over eight years. His primary focus lies in football and Formula 1, where he combines analytical approach with compelling storytelling.

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