What's at stake

A win at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve delivers 25 championship points and a major momentum boost for the driver and their team.

Victory reshapes the drivers' and constructors' standings, raises sponsor exposure, and provides a high-profile proof point for racecraft on a tight, unpredictable street-style circuit.

Who's in play

Championship front-runners include Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, and George Russell.

Also in the field: Sergio Perez, Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz Jr., Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, Nico Hulkenberg, Valtteri Bottas, Lance Stroll, Alexander Albon, Gabriel Bortoleto, Arvid Lindblad, Oliver Bearman, Franco Colapinto, Isack Hadjar, Kimi Antonelli, Liam Lawson.

What drives it

Qualifying position heavily determines victory chances on a short, high-speed circuit where overtaking is tricky. Teams that lock front-row starts reduce risk from safety-car restarts.

Race strategy, tyre choices, in-race safety cars and pit-stop execution swing outcomes. Weather, late upgrades, engine modes, and grid penalties also change who can convert pace into a win.

What to watch

Practice sessions and qualifying reveal race-day pace and tyre choices. Short runs versus long-run lap times show who has race trim.

Track weather, safety-car likelihood, pit-stop windows, and any grid penalties will shift chances. Note Friday practice, Saturday qualifying session, and the Sunday race start as decisive checkpoints.