Another trip across the Atlantic brings the Formula One paddock to Montreal for the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix. Here's all you need to know going into the weekend.
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After a cancelled Imola, soaking Monaco GP and wet Spanish qualifying, the last few Formula One races have been severely weather affected. With the paddock flying off to Montreal, a city known for its wet races, it seems like the trend isn't ready to move aside. In fact, those at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve looking up to the skies will notice clouds forming throughout the weekend as rain is forecast for many sessions.
Long straights. Twisty chicanes. A lack of high speed turns. Countless heavy braking zones. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal is a very different track to recent venues for the F1 circus. So could that alter the established order? Here's everything you need to know going into the weekend.
Since then, the man from Stevenage has gone on to win at the track a total of seven times. As the circuit relies on driver skill and brake feeling, could it be that the seven-time World Champion can drag his W14 to the front of the pack this weekend? Following recent results in which the updated Mercedes single seater has shown good pace, anything is possible. Certainly if weather impacts proceedings, one can't begin to predict how the event will proceed.
Furthermore, as barriers line the track around much of the course, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve presents itself akin to a street circuit. In fact, portions of the layout are often used as public roads meaning racing is much different to traditional road courses. With the high-speed nature of many of the track's sections, one mistake can end in disaster. Robert Kubica is one driver that will remember that fact for years to come after his 2007 off.
Finally, if the rain does come down, the Quebec racing circuit isn't best known for its drainage systems. Puddles tend to form quickly on the racing surface so navigating to the pits its always a challenge.
All in all, the Canadian Grand Prix has many ingredients for a carnage-filled classic this weekend. Whilst speed is obviously what wins races, getting to the end without making mistakes may be just as important. Watch out for the Wall of Champions, somewhere our reigning World Champion is yet to fall victim.
Taking place on another continent, Europeans will be staying up late this weekend in order to catch all the action. In fact, competitive sessions will most likely be broadcasted around dinner time. Will you be sitting around the TV with our evening meals? I'm sure I will! Here is a list of all on-track F1 sessions from the Canadian Grand Prix.
Free Practice 2: 23:00 - 00:00 CET
Qualifying: 22:00 - 23:00 CET
Will you be watching the 2023 Formula One Canadian Grand Prix?
Image credit:
After a cancelled Imola, soaking Monaco GP and wet Spanish qualifying, the last few Formula One races have been severely weather affected. With the paddock flying off to Montreal, a city known for its wet races, it seems like the trend isn't ready to move aside. In fact, those at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve looking up to the skies will notice clouds forming throughout the weekend as rain is forecast for many sessions.
Long straights. Twisty chicanes. A lack of high speed turns. Countless heavy braking zones. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal is a very different track to recent venues for the F1 circus. So could that alter the established order? Here's everything you need to know going into the weekend.
A Hamilton return to form?
When it comes to experience and demonstrable results around the Canadian circuit, Lewis Hamilton is clearly in a class of his own. It's here in 2007 that the Brit claimed his first ever pole position and race victory putting him very much in contention for the title in his rookie season.Since then, the man from Stevenage has gone on to win at the track a total of seven times. As the circuit relies on driver skill and brake feeling, could it be that the seven-time World Champion can drag his W14 to the front of the pack this weekend? Following recent results in which the updated Mercedes single seater has shown good pace, anything is possible. Certainly if weather impacts proceedings, one can't begin to predict how the event will proceed.
Carnage in Canada?
If rain wasn't enough to make this weekend's action exciting, the circuit certainly is. A collection of fast straights, hard braking zones and slow speed chicanes, it provides a great number of overtaking opportunities.Furthermore, as barriers line the track around much of the course, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve presents itself akin to a street circuit. In fact, portions of the layout are often used as public roads meaning racing is much different to traditional road courses. With the high-speed nature of many of the track's sections, one mistake can end in disaster. Robert Kubica is one driver that will remember that fact for years to come after his 2007 off.
Finally, if the rain does come down, the Quebec racing circuit isn't best known for its drainage systems. Puddles tend to form quickly on the racing surface so navigating to the pits its always a challenge.
All in all, the Canadian Grand Prix has many ingredients for a carnage-filled classic this weekend. Whilst speed is obviously what wins races, getting to the end without making mistakes may be just as important. Watch out for the Wall of Champions, somewhere our reigning World Champion is yet to fall victim.
How to watch the Canadian GP
The best way to stream every on-track session this weekend is on F1 TV. But unfortunately, the service is blocked in several territories, notably those with exclusive broadcasting rights such as the UK. British fans therefore will have to tune in to the Sky Sports F1 coverage this weekend for live sessions. Highlights of qualifying and the race will be available on Channel 4.Taking place on another continent, Europeans will be staying up late this weekend in order to catch all the action. In fact, competitive sessions will most likely be broadcasted around dinner time. Will you be sitting around the TV with our evening meals? I'm sure I will! Here is a list of all on-track F1 sessions from the Canadian Grand Prix.
Friday
Free Practice 1: 19:30 - 20:30 CETFree Practice 2: 23:00 - 00:00 CET
Saturday
Free Practice 3: 18:30 - 19:30 CETQualifying: 22:00 - 23:00 CET
Sunday
Grand Prix: 20:00 - 22:00 CETWill you be watching the 2023 Formula One Canadian Grand Prix?
