2025 Canadian Grand Prix: How to watch, predictions and will Lance Stroll be racing?

Formula 1 heads to Canada for the tenth round of the 2025 championship after a dramatic end to the recent triple header in Europe.

Max Verstappen heads into the next two races on the verge of a one-race ban, after picking up an additional three points on his FIA superlicence.

The Dutchman lost his nerve after his team gave him unfavourable tyres at the end of the race following a pit stop. After a skirmish with George Russell, he was told to give fourth place back to the Mercedes driver, which led to the contact between the pair.

Verstappen took to social media in a rare post after the race to say the incident was “not right” and “shouldn’t have happened” but stopped short of apologising. The pair have history on track, and while it wasn’t necessarily the reason for the collision, it will no doubt fuel the rivalry between the pair.

It’s a tightrope between now and Austria before two points on his licence expire, so he will need to be on his best behaviour. Elsewhere, the McLaren drivers are now comfortably 20 points ahead and will want to extend that lead in Canada.

It has not been the best track for them in recent years, but the high tyre degradation might play into their car’s strengths. With that in mind, here is everything you need to know ahead of the weekend.

How to watch the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix on TV

Sky Sports F1 will be providing live TV coverage in the UK, while those outside of the country can watch via F1 TV. Below are the start times for each session.

What is the weather going to be like for the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix?

There were initially questions over the Canadian GP weekend because of the wildfires that were engulfing the surrounding area.

More than 25,000 people across Canada were forced to vacate their homes after wildfires hit the southeastern region of the country.

The air quality level in Montreal is thought to be moderate, although the situation is currently being monitored by F1, who are working closely with the local authorities.

The weather for the weekend is set to be sunny, with the outlook in Montreal reaching highs of 23°C on Sunday, while the lowest temperatures will be on Friday at 19°C. No rain is forecast for the entire three days of action.

Will Lance Stroll be racing in the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix?

A question that came out of the Spanish GP weekend concerns Lance Stroll and whether he will be present at his home race.

Stroll had to withdraw from the race in Spain on the Saturday night due to medical grounds, having suffered from pain in his right hand and wrist.

Aston Martin issued a statement stating that it is a consequence of the procedure he underwent in 2023, following a cycling accident pre-season.

Stroll was reportedly irate about his qualifying performance in Spain, with sources alleging that he swore at team members and threw a helmet. Aston Martin has denied that any swearing took place, but stopped short of stating that he wasn’t angry.

In any case, should a replacement be needed, it comes at a tricky time for Aston Martin. Both Stoffel Vandoorne and Felipe Drugovich are racing in Le Mans, although the latter could be called back should he be needed.

Valtteri Bottas could also be an option for the team, considering their links as a Mercedes engine customer.

Who will be on pole for the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix?

Rory Mitchell: Lando Norris – It’s a must-win race for Norris if he wants to keep within touching distance of Piastri as we enter the business end of Austria/Silverstone/Belgium. The Canadian GP represents a good opportunity to close the 10-point gap again, and a pole would put him in good standing for the race on Sunday.

Who will win the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix?

Shay Rogers: Lando Norris – Lando Norris is back on track after finding his confidence in Monaco a few weeks ago. The Circuit de Gilles Villeneuve is a similar layout and challenges the drivers through sectors one and two.

The infamous Wall of Champions in the last sector has claimed many victims through the years too. He seems to be quite strong on street circuits this year and the FIA’s recent technical directive only appears to have strengthened their position. If the weather remains clear (unusual for Montreal), then Norris should be able to claw back some of the 10-point advantage that his teammate currently holds over him.

Who will be the biggest surprise of the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix?

Rory Mitchell: Nico Hulkenberg – Canada is another circuit that rewards qualifying and one of the best on the grid is likely to shine in Hulkenberg. His upgraded Sauber in Spain was the star of the midfield after he finished ahead of Hamilton in 5th.

Canada has historically been a great race for the German, having finished just outside the top 10 for Haas last year, and inside the top eight when he raced for Force India. A strong qualifying should put him on his way for back-to-back points for Sauber.