Watch Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix — Practice 2 Free.

What's at Stake

Practice 2 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is the most critical session for teams to gather data on high-fuel consumption and tire thermal degradation. With the 2026 technical regulations in full effect, mastering the energy recovery deployment on Montreal's long straights is essential for securing a competitive grid position and defining Sunday's race strategy.

Form Guide

Heading into the Canadian Grand Prix, the championship battle has intensified as teams bring significant aerodynamic upgrades to suit the circuit's unique stop-and-go nature. Recent rounds have shown a narrowing gap between the top three constructors, making every millisecond of data collected during these long-run simulations vital for maintaining momentum in the standings.

Key Players to Watch

• Max Verstappen — The defending champion remains the benchmark for consistency and will focus on perfecting the mechanical grip required for Montreal's aggressive kerbs.
• Lewis Hamilton — A perennial master of the Canadian circuit, his performance in high-speed chicanes often dictates the pace for the rest of the field.
• Oscar Piastri — Having shown exceptional tire management in recent races, he is a prime candidate to excel during the heavy-fuel simulations of this session.

Prediction

Expect the session to be led by a driver focusing on qualifying trim in the final minutes, likely resulting in a Ferrari or Red Bull topping the timing sheets. However, the true indicator of success will be the lap-time consistency of the Mercedes power units, which are predicted to show the strongest long-run pace heading into the weekend.