If you're planning to crack a beer and watch the 2026 race at the usual time, you're going to miss the lights going out. Honestly, it's a bit of a mess for fans who are used to the decades-old June slot. This year, everything is different. The start time of canadian grand prix has been officially pushed back to 4:00 PM local time (16:00 ET) on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
That is a significant two-hour delay compared to the 2:00 PM start we saw last year. Why the sudden shift? It’s basically a strategic move by Formula 1 to stop clashing with the Indianapolis 500. For years, petrolheads had to choose between the tactical chess match in Montreal and the high-speed oval drama in Indy. Now, you can actually watch both. It’s also part of a much larger effort by the FIA to group the North American races together. By moving Canada to May, right after Miami, the teams aren't flying across the Atlantic and back in a single week like a bunch of stressed-out commuters.
The Full 2026 Montreal Weekend Schedule
You've got to keep track of more than just Sunday because 2026 marks the first time Montreal will host a Sprint Race. This changes the entire flow of the weekend. Usually, Friday is for "getting the eye in," but now, every session actually matters for points.
🔗 Read more: Men's Sophie Cunningham Jersey: Why This Specific Kit is Selling Out Everywhere
- Friday, May 22: Free Practice 1 kicks off at 12:30 PM, followed by Sprint Qualifying at 4:30 PM.
- Saturday, May 23: The Sprint Race starts at 12:00 PM. Later that afternoon, the traditional Qualifying session for the main Grand Prix happens at 4:00 PM.
- Sunday, May 24: The main event. The start time of canadian grand prix is set for 4:00 PM local time.
For those watching from overseas, that 4:00 PM ET start means a 9:00 PM kickoff for fans in the UK and 10:00 PM for most of Europe. It’s a late Sunday night, but considering the chaos Montreal usually provides—think George Russell’s massive 2025 win or the infamous "Wall of Champions"—it’s usually worth the caffeine.
Why the New May Date Matters
The shift from June to May isn't just about the Indy 500. It’s about the planet. F1 is trying to hit "Net Zero" by 2030. In the past, the "European season" would start, then everyone would fly to Canada for one weekend, then fly right back to Spain or Austria. It was a logistical nightmare and a carbon footprint disaster.
💡 You might also like: Why Netball Girls Sri Lanka Are Quietly Dominating Asian Sports
By pairing Montreal with Miami (which happened earlier in May), the freight can stay in North America. But there’s a catch. Montreal in late May can be... unpredictable. We’re talking about an island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. While the average temperature is usually around 18°C (64°F), it can dump rain at a moment's notice.
Where to Watch and How to Get There
If you’re in the US, the broadcasting landscape has shifted. Apple TV is now the exclusive home for F1. You'll need an Apple TV subscription to catch the live feed, though they are reportedly offering a few races for free. In Canada, TSN and RDS remain the go-to spots.
📖 Related: Why Cumberland Valley Boys Basketball Dominates the Mid-Penn (and What’s Next)
For the lucky ones actually heading to Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, do not drive. Seriously. The traffic on the Jacques-Cartier Bridge is legendary in all the wrong ways. Take the Yellow Line on the Metro to Jean-Drapeau station. It’s a 15-minute walk from there, and you’ll save yourself three hours of staring at a bumper.
Pro-Tips for the 2026 Race:
- Ear Protection: These new 2026-spec power units are still loud. Buy some high-quality plugs before you get to the track where they'll cost you 40 bucks.
- The "Wall of Champions": If you have General Admission, try to get a spot near Turn 14. It's the final chicane where the world's best drivers regularly bin it into the wall.
- Connectivity: Download the F1 app and your tickets for offline use. With 100,000 people on a small island, the cell towers basically give up by noon.
The start time of canadian grand prix being at 4:00 PM means the race will likely finish around 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM. This gives you just enough time to head into downtown Montreal—specifically Crescent Street or Peel Street—to catch the post-race festivals. Just make sure you've booked a dinner table weeks in advance; walk-ins during GP weekend are a myth.
To prepare for the race, ensure your Apple TV subscription is active if you're in the US, or check your local TSN listings in Canada. If you're traveling, buy your STM (Montreal Metro) passes on Thursday to avoid the massive kiosks lines on Friday morning.