Watch Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix — Practice 1 Free.

What's at Stake

As the 2026 season reaches its mid-point, the Canadian Grand Prix serves as a critical proving ground for the new technical regulations and power unit configurations. Teams are arriving in Montreal with significant aerodynamic upgrades, making this opening practice session vital for validating wind tunnel data on a high-speed, low-grip street circuit. With the championship standings beginning to stabilize, every lap of data collected here will influence the development trajectory for the remainder of the summer flyaway races.

Form Guide

The field enters Montreal following a series of high-downforce European rounds that have seen a tightening at the top of the constructors' standings. While the early season favorites have maintained a slight edge in qualifying pace, recent races have shown that reliability and energy recovery management are becoming the deciding factors under the current engine formula. Momentum is currently split between the traditional front-runners and a surging midfield that has excelled at maximizing top speeds on long straights.

Key Players to Watch

• Max Verstappen — The reigning champion remains the benchmark for precision on street circuits and will look to master the heavy braking zones of the Wall of Champions.
• Lewis Hamilton — A perennial master of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, his experience will be crucial in dialling in the car's setup during the evolving track conditions of FP1.
• Oscar Piastri — Having shown exceptional consistency in recent rounds, he is expected to be a primary challenger as his team introduces a revised floor and wing package.

Prediction

Expect a cautious start to the session as drivers grapple with a "green" track surface and the unique demands of the 2026-spec machinery on Montreal's curbs. Ferrari and Red Bull are likely to trade the fastest sectors, but the session will ultimately conclude with a narrow margin separating the top three teams. A late flying lap from Verstappen will likely secure the top spot in FP1 as he focuses on low-fuel performance runs before the afternoon temperature shift.