Formula 1 returns to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal from June 13 to 15, 2025, for the Canadian Grand Prix, the tenth round of the season. Max Verstappen, the four-time champion, is under scrutiny, one penalty point away from a potential race ban due to his superlicense tally. Oscar Piastri leads the drivers’ championship, while the F1 Academy, the all-female feeder series, takes center stage with three races, including a rescheduled Miami event. The race will be broadcast live on Band, Bandsports, and F1TV Pro, covering practice, qualifying, and the main event. As the last North American stop before the season’s end, the race intensifies the title fight.
Following a break after a European triple-header, Formula 1 lands in Canada with high stakes. The Montreal circuit, known for chaotic races, has a storied history, including the 2011 rain-soaked marathon won by Jenson Button. The 2025 season, with 24 races, sees Montreal as a pivotal moment before returning to Europe.
- Key highlights of the 2025 Canadian GP:
- Verstappen’s risk of suspension due to superlicense points.
- Piastri’s championship lead for McLaren.
- Three F1 Academy races, led by Maya Weug.
- Live coverage on Band and Bandsports.
The blend of recent controversies and the track’s unpredictability makes this a must-watch event for motorsport fans.
Legacy of Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
Located on Notre-Dame Island, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a Formula 1 staple. Named after the Canadian driver who won the inaugural race in 1978, the 4.361-km track has hosted 43 grands prix. Its long straights, tight corners, and the infamous “Wall of Champions” create thrilling races. Weather often plays a role, with rain disrupting strategies. The 2011 race, lasting over four hours, saw Button clinch victory in dramatic fashion. In 2025, teams and drivers brace for another challenging weekend.
Full weekend schedule
The 2025 Canadian GP features a packed schedule for Formula 1 and F1 Academy, with timings in Brasília time:
- Formula 1:
- Friday, 13/06: Free Practice 1 at 2:30 PM; Free Practice 2 at 6:00 PM.
- Saturday, 14/06: Free Practice 3 at 1:30 PM; Qualifying at 5:00 PM.
- Sunday, 15/06: Race at 3:00 PM.
- F1 Academy:
- Friday, 13/06: Free Practice at 12:05 PM; Qualifying at 7:30 PM.
- Saturday, 14/06: Race 1 at 10:15 AM; Race 2 at 3:50 PM.
- Sunday, 15/06: Race 3 at 11:55 AM.
Formula 1 broadcasts include Band (qualifying and race), Bandsports (all sessions), and F1TV Pro (full coverage). F1 Academy races air on Bandsports and F1TV Pro, ensuring fans don’t miss the action.
The Seb vs Lewis rivalry may have peaked in 2017-18…
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 10, 2025
But this skirmish in 2019 is surely their most iconic 😱#F1 #CanadianGP pic.twitter.com/wPxDXPYIRG
Verstappen’s precarious position
Max Verstappen faces intense pressure in Montreal. With 11 superlicense points, one more will trigger a mandatory race ban. His earliest points expire only after the Austrian GP, forcing the Red Bull driver to tread carefully. A recent clash with George Russell in Spain added three points and a 10-second penalty, escalating tensions. Despite this, Verstappen remains a title contender, sitting third with 137 points, behind Piastri (186) and Lando Norris (176).
F1 Academy spotlight
The F1 Academy steps up in Canada with three races, including a makeup event from Miami, canceled due to heavy rain. The series, nurturing female talent, sees Maya Weug leading with 64 points, just one ahead of Doriane Pin (63). Chloe Chambers (55), Alisha Palmowski (44), and Alba Larsen (28) round out the top five. Brazilian drivers Rafaela Ferreira (10th, 9 points) and Aurelia Nobels (11th, 3 points) aim to shine, boosting Brazil’s presence in the series.
Piastri’s title charge
Oscar Piastri leads the drivers’ championship with 186 points, bolstered by his Spanish GP win. The McLaren driver holds a slim 10-point edge over teammate Lando Norris. McLaren dominates the constructors’ standings, with Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes trailing. Charles Leclerc, fifth with 94 points, eyes a strong showing in Montreal, where Ferrari has historically performed well. Rising stars like Andrea Kimi Antonelli add intrigue to the field.
Canadian GP trivia
The Canadian GP has delivered iconic moments. Nelson Piquet won in 1982, 1984, and 1991, while Ayrton Senna triumphed in 1988 and 1990. Notable facts include:
- The “Wall of Champions” has claimed victims like Michael Schumacher.
- The circuit, renamed in 1982 for Gilles Villeneuve, honors the local hero.
- Top speeds exceed 350 km/h, among the highest in F1.
- Frequent rain adds unpredictability to the race.
These elements cement the event’s place in F1 lore.
Broadcast and online coverage
Fans can catch the Canadian GP on Band (TV, qualifying, and race), Bandsports (all sessions), and F1TV Pro (streaming with onboard cameras). Motorsport.com’s YouTube channel offers post-race shows like “Podium” and “Final Lap” for in-depth analysis, enhancing the viewer experience.
Track challenges
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve demands a fine balance of speed and grip. DRS zones on the main straight and before the final chicane enable overtaking, but the “Wall of Champions” punishes errors. McLaren and Ferrari, strong on medium-speed tracks, are favorites, though Montreal’s history favors surprises. With 2025 being the final year of current power units, teams are fine-tuning for 2026’s new regulations, adding technical stakes.
Brazilian hopes in F1 Academy
Rafaela Ferreira and Aurelia Nobels carry Brazil’s flag in F1 Academy. Ferreira, with Campos, has scored points, while Nobels, with ART Grand Prix, seeks a breakthrough. Three races in Montreal offer both drivers a chance to climb the standings on a track that rewards bold moves.
Calendar shift
The 2025 Canadian GP is the last in June. From 2026, it moves to May, aligning with the Indy 500 and streamlining F1’s global schedule. This change aims to cut travel emissions and optimize logistics for teams.
