Five Drivers To Watch At The Canadian Grand Prix

19th May 2026 0 By Joe Briley

Formula 1 returns this weekend with the highly anticipated Canadian Grand Prix as the grid heads to Montreal for one of the most unpredictable races on the calendar.

Feature image credit: Getty Images // Red Bull Content Pool

Kimi Antonelli arrives at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve full of confidence after winning at the Miami Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver collected his third victory of the season and extended his lead over teammate George Russell in the Drivers’ Championship.

Montreal has a history of producing drama, surprise results and standout drives, with a combination of heavy braking zones, tight walls and changing conditions often creating opportunities for surprise results.

Here are five drivers to keep an eye on this weekend.

George Russell

George Russell heads into Canada looking to respond after a disappointing weekend in Miami.

The Mercedes driver admitted the circuit did not suit him and was unable to match teammate Antonelli, who strengthened his position at the top of the standings with victory.

Canada could provide the perfect opportunity to bounce back. Russell has fond memories of Montreal after taking victory at the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix and arrives this weekend knowing he needs to finish ahead of Antonelli to prevent the championship gap growing further.

Mercedes are also expected to bring their first upgrade package of the season to Canada, potentially giving Russell the extra performance needed to rejoin the title fight.

Why the Canadian Grand Prix Rarely Fails to Entertain

Lewis Hamilton

Few drivers have enjoyed Montreal quite like Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion has consistently produced strong performances at the Canadian Grand Prix and the circuit has often suited his driving style.

Hamilton has also made a solid start to the 2026 campaign and currently sits fifth in the Drivers’ Championship on 51 points.

Results of fourth in Australia and podium finishes in both the Chinese Grand Prix and Sprint highlighted encouraging early form before damage compromised his race in Miami.

With confidence growing and Canada historically one of his stronger venues, Hamilton could be in the mix once again with Ferrari needing a win in the early stages of the season to stake their claim for the Constructors’ Championship.

Alex Albon

Williams have steadily improved during the opening rounds after a difficult start to the season and Canada may provide another opportunity for Alex Albon.

The Thai driver has previously performed well in Montreal, producing an impressive defensive drive to secure seventh place in 2023.

Despite encouraging signs from Williams, Albon is still searching for his first points of the season and will be desperate to change that this weekend.

If Williams continue their upward trend, Canada could finally deliver the breakthrough result they need.

Liam Lawson’s Quietly Impressive Start Deserves More Attention

Gabriel Bortoleto

Audi may not yet be fighting towards the front of the grid, but Gabriel Bortoleto has quietly impressed during the early stages of the season.

The Brazilian has looked composed and consistent while – Canada offers opportunities for midfield drivers to produce standout results.

A strong Saturday performance can quickly put drivers into the fight for points and unexpected positions, especially if weather or safety cars come into play meaning qualifying is important, so if Bortoleto can nail a lap in qualifying, he could be rewarded in the race.

Ollie Bearman

Ollie Bearman has become one of F1’s surprise performers during the opening rounds of 2026.

The Haas driver sits eighth in the Drivers’ Championship with 17 points and currently leads the midfield battle after an impressive start to the season. Haas have adapted well to the new regulations and Bearman has taken full advantage, regularly putting the team into points contention.

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve rewards confidence under braking, commitment over kerbs and aggressive driving – all areas that fit Bearman’s style.

If his early-season form continues, another strong points finish could be on the cards.

Five Drivers To Watch At The Canadian Grand Prix