F1 Academy makes its highly anticipated debut in Montreal this weekend, with the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve becoming the 12th venue to host the series. Setting the stage for a thrilling mid-season showdown where the championship lead could swing again.
New Challenges lie in Canada
The Canadian Grand Prix marks uncharted territory for the entire grid. With no prior racing experience at this circuit, the drivers and teams will enter the weekend on a completely level playing field, relying heavily on their preparation and simulator work to hit the ground running.
Of course, it wouldn’t be motorsport without another challenge. The challenge in question, only one 40-minute Free Practice session before the drivers head straight into Qualifying. Every practice lap will be crucial to learning the track and fine-tuning car setups, and maximising race potential.
Despite the limited preparation time, Drivers must remain calm behind the wheel of the difficult circuit. As the infamous ‘Wall of Champions’ at Turns 12 and 13 looms large as a constant threat, ready to punish even the slightest mistake.
Home Hero: Nicole Havrda
Canadian Rookie, Nicole Havrda, will have all eyes on her this weekend. The American Express-backed driver has had a difficult start to the 2025 season with several DNFs over the past few rounds and a general lack of luck for the Canadian. Havrda would love nothing more than to turn around her season at home.
Montreal’s passionate fans are expected to rally behind her, cheering her on to hopefully score her first points of the season.
Read Next: Wella Professionals joins F1 Academy as an official sponsor
The championship battle heats up
Ferrari’s Maya Weug and Mercedes’ Doriane Pin have been the ones to beat in 2025, with the pair currently separated by a single point. Pin remains the only repeat race winner of the season; however, consistency has proved crucial in this championship, as Weug is leading the pack.
But they’re not the only names in title contention.
The Campos Racing duo of Chloe Chambers and Alisha Palmowski have emerged as a serious threat. Chambers, who turns 21 on Saturday, is still chasing her first win of the year but will start Race 1 from pole position. Putting herself in the prime position for the best birthday gift.
Palmowski, the top rookie, continues to impress with her bold new livery courtesy of Red Bull Racing and 1Password, and she’ll be aiming to convert her front-row start into maximum points.
Only three rounds into the season, the championship top 4 are separated by only 20 points. Setting up for an enthralling four-way fight for the title in the second half of the season.
Who to look out for this weekend
Four different drivers have claimed wins so far this season, and in a championship as close as this, anything is possible. A fifth different race winner is on the cards. Chloe Chambers starts from pole position for Race 1. This win, with a strong qualifying performance from the American, can change the championship entirely. As championship leader, Maya Weug faces an uphill battle in Race 1 with a P10 start.
Elsewhere, Alba Larsen (Tommy Hilfiger) and Ella Lloyd (McLaren) will be pushing for their breakthroughs. Lloyd already has one victory to her name but will be aiming to deliver another big result this weekend. Meanwhile, Larsen is still chasing her first win after a season-best P4 finish in Shanghai.
F1 Academy Schedule: Canadian Grand Prix
The F1 Academy weekend in Canada will feature a revised race schedule due to the washed-out race in Miami.
Here’s how the action will unfold at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve:
Race 1 will have the grid set with the final starting order from Race 2 in Miami. There will be full points awarded to the top 10 finishers.
Race 2 will be a reverse grid for the top eight qualifiers in Canada. Points are awarded only to the top eight finishers.
Race 3 will have the Grid based on the fastest qualifying laps during the Canadian Grand Prix. Pole position earns two bonus points. Fastest laps in each race can also earn extra points if drivers finish within the points-paying positions.
With three races and a championship battle that’s too close to call, the F1 Academy Canadian Grand Prix is one you don’t want to miss.
