F1 Canadian Grand Prix 2026 Schedule & Session Times

• Free Practice 113:30
• Sprint Qualifying17:30

• Sprint Race12:00
• Qualifying16:00

• Grand Prix14:00

• —FP1 at 1:30 PM, Sprint Qualifying at 5:30 PM. Take the metro to Jean-Drapeau station — it's a short walk to the circuit entrance on Île Notre-Dame.
• —The island circuit is compact and flat. Use the gap between sessions to walk the whole track perimeter, find your preferred viewing spots, and locate food vendors.
• —Crescent Street downtown transforms into an unofficial F1 fan zone every evening. Plan dinner there after Sprint Qualifying — the atmosphere rivals the circuit itself.

Arrive by 10:30 AM

• —Sprint Race at noon, then a 4-hour gap before Qualifying at 4:00 PM. Walk to the Biosphere (the geodesic dome visible from the track) or grab lunch on the island.
• —Food options include poutine, smoked meat sandwiches, and local Québécois fare. Prices are typical for F1 events — budget accordingly.
• —Jean-Drapeau metro queues start building from 3:30 PM. If you're leaving between sessions, go early or expect a 20-minute wait.

Arrive by 11:00 AM

• —Grand Prix at 2:00 PM. Arrive early to soak up the pre-race atmosphere — the island buzzes with energy from late morning.
• —Post-race Jean-Drapeau metro wait is 30-60 minutes. Many fans walk across Pont de la Concorde bridge to downtown instead — it's a 25-30 minute walk with great views of the city skyline.
• —If you do take the metro, wait 45-60 minutes after the chequered flag. The first wave of 50,000 fans at one station creates the worst congestion.

• —Montreal weather in late May is unpredictable. Mornings can be cool (12-15°C), afternoons warm (20-25°C). Pack layers you can strip off.
• —Rain is common and can arrive fast. Wet races at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve are legendary for drama — the Wall of Champions claims even more victims on a damp track.
• —Sessions can be delayed by heavy rain. The FIA will red-flag if standing water is dangerous. Delays of 30-60 minutes are not unusual.