Canadian GP Schedule 2026: Formula 1

Track Schedule

The Canadian GP weekend follows F1’s Sprint format. F1 track action starts on Friday at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve with a 1-hour free practice session (FP1) for teams to find the perfect setup.

Friday afternoon sees Sprint Qualifying set the grid for the Sprint on Saturday.

Later on Saturday, Qualifying is a 3-part session where lap times decide starting positions for the Grand Prix on Sunday.

f1 track schedule
FridayFirst Practice12:30 - 13:30
Sprint Qualifying16:30 - 17:14
SaturdaySprint (23 laps or 60 minutes)12:00 - 12:30
Qualifying16:00 - 17:00
SundayGrand Prix (70 laps or 120 minutes)*16:00 - 18:00

*An F1 race has a maximum time of 2 hours, but can run for up to 3 hours if there are red flags. Jump to full timetable.



Drivers’ Parade

This is when the grandstands really start to fill up. Drivers warm up for the race by waving at you and answering questions.


Drivers’ Parade at the Canadian GP is on Sunday from 14:00 – 14:30.

f1 track parade time


Canadian GP Schedule 2026: Support Races


Formula 2

A good chance to see the star drivers of the future. F2, the feeder series to F1 has seen many well-known names pass through its ranks. The single-seater cars have an identical chassis, engine and tyres which means it’s all about driver skill and the racing is close.

Formula 2 action starts on Friday with practice and qualifying. The Sprint Race follows on Saturday, with the Feature Race on Sunday.

f2 schedule
© Takayuki Suzuki | Flickr

F1 Academy

F1 Academy is an all female racing series that aims to popularise motorsports for women and girls and to provide a launchpad for higher tiers of motorsport, including ultimately, F1. The emphasis is on driver skill and so all cars use an identical chassis and engine.

Action gets underway on Friday with practice and qualifying. Two races follow on Saturday, with the final race on Sunday.

F1 Academy schedule
© Lukas Raich | Wikimedia

Full Timetable for the Canadian Grand Prix Weekend

Friday 22 May Local time
F1 AcademyPractice Session09:00 - 09:40
FIA Formula 2First Practice Session10:05 - 10:50
FIAF1 Car Presentation11:00 - 12:00
FORMULA 1FIRST PRACTICE SESSION12:30 - 13:30
FIA Formula 2Qualifying Session14:00 - 14:30
FORMULA 1SPRINT QUALIFYING SESSION16:30 - 17:14
F1 AcademyQualifying18:00 - 18:30
F1 ExperiencesChampions Club Grid Walk & Trophy Photo18:45 - 19:45
Saturday 23 May Local time
F1 AcademyOpening Race (17 Laps, Max 30 Mins +1 Lap)09:45 - 10:20
FORMULA 1SPRINT (23 LAPS OR 60 MINS)12:00 - 12:30
FIA Formula 2Sprint Race (28 Laps or 45 Mins +1 Lap)14:10 - 15:00
FORMULA 1QUALIFYING SESSION16:00 - 17:00
F1 AcademyReverse Grid Race (17 Laps, Max 30 Mins +1 Lap)18:05 - 18:35
Sunday 24 May Local time
F1 AcademyFeature Race (17 Laps, Max 30 Mins +1 Lap)10:45 - 11:20
FIA Formula 2Feature Race (39 Laps or 60 Mins +1 Lap)12:05 - 13:10
Formula 1Drivers' Parade14:00 - 14:30
Formula 1National Anthem15:44 - 15:46
FORMULA 1GRAND PRIX (70 LAPS OR 120 MINS)16:00 - 18:00

The full programme covers Friday 22 May, Saturday 23 May and Sunday 24 May. All start times in this timetable and other schedules on this page are in the Local time at the track. Times are subject to change.

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About Me

I’m Danny, an incurable Formula 1 fan for over 35 years and founder of The F1 Spectator. My aim is to inform and inspire, arming you with helpful tips and advice for your next F1 trip.