The Canadian Grand Prix is back in Montreal for its annual visit, only a little earlier compared to previous years. Instead of the usual June race, Formula 1 is in town this weekend.
Keep following this page for the latest on what’s happening in town and at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, from drivers to celebs and the occasional ground hog on the track.
Key times to remember:
Friday, May 22
4:30 p.m. — Sprint Qualifying Session
Saturday, May 23
12 p.m. — Sprint Race
4 p.m. — Qualifying Session
Friday, May 24
4 p.m. — Canadian GP 2026
Friday Spotted: Alexandra Leclerc with Leo
Formula 1’s favourite dog, Leo, has arrived on the paddock. Alexandra Leclerc, wife of Ferrari driver Charles, was snapped just prior to practice.
Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is famous for its groundhogs, but on Thursday, it was a pair of geese who ran afoul on the track.
“Downtown is back”
That is the verdict of Sandra Ferreira, who runs Ferreira Café, a Portuguese restaurant on Peel St. where the filet mignon can run more than $70.
She said Thursday’s traffic was four times that of a typical week, which she attributed largely to the Grand Prix.
So far, she said, the Formula 1 weekend has gone smoothly. In 2024, city fire inspectors shut her terrace down mid-weekend, citing its proximity to the building.
But the Grand Prix is only part of the story this year. Ferreira added the Canadiens’ playoff run is also reshaping the rhythm of her dining room, despite the restaurant not having TVs to watch the game.
On game nights, customers are arriving early for pre-match dinners, she said, packing the room and also shifting the dress code: gone are the dinner jackets and in is a sea of red, white and blue jerseys.
One aspect that’s different, however, is the weather, she said. The Grand Prix has landed several weeks earlier on the calendar than usual, so the restaurant had to buy heaters for the terrace.
And Ferreira expects the momentum to continue. Monday, with lingering Formula 1 visitors in town and a Canadiens game on the schedule, should be “wonderful.”
Lewis Hamilton arrives in style
Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari travels through the paddock on a buggy during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on May 21, 2026 in Montreal, Canada. Kym Illman / Getty Images
CF Montreal hosts World Cup trophy
Un immense honneur pour le CF Montréal d’accueillir au Stade Saputo la Tournée du trophée de la Coupe du Monde de la FIFA par Coca-Cola, et de recevoir du même coup l’ancien du Club et champion du monde Alessandro Nesta. ??
Le seul club de la MLS à faire entrer le prestigieux… pic.twitter.com/ip5VdkxWA3
— CF Montréal (@cfmontreal) May 22, 2026
Lewis Hamilton says he’s not planning retirement
Formula One drivers meet Youppi!
Charles Leclerc praises Canada for its friendliness
?️ Charles Leclerc this evening in Montreal at Ferrari Québec, unveiling the new Amalfi Spider. He praised the city, Canada and the friendliness of Canadians pic.twitter.com/Xj1HL8SHMW
— Harry North (@hsnorth_) May 22, 2026
‘Everyone’ is more excited about the Habs than F1, Lance Stroll says
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