F1 Returns to North America as McLaren Dominates in Montreal

Montréal, Canada - The European season takes a brief pause as Formula 1 (F1) heads back over the Atlantic for its second time this year and lands in Montréal, Canada for the Canadian Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1. This marks the 44th running of the Grands Prix Québec, which has been a staple on the F1 calendar since 1978.

McLaren is currently in dominant form, having secured their second one-two of the season in Spain. Oscar Piastri's fifth consecutive victory saw him increase his Drivers' Championship lead over team-mate Lando Norris to 10 points, while reigning champion Max Verstappen now lags 49 points behind after a penalty for colliding with George Russell.

However, Montreal is crucial for Verstappen if he hopes to remain in realistic title contention. The Dutch driver has won the last three Canadian GPs and looks to maintain his momentum. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc (not Lewis Hamilton) will also be keen to make an impact at a venue where he has often struggled.

In other news, F1 Academy stages its fourth round of the season in Montréal, with the event featuring three high-speed races. The cancellation of last week's Miami event due to torrential rain has provided a setback for drivers vying for the title.

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve: A Challenging Track

Montréal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is known for its challenging layout and notorious 'Wall of Champions.' Featuring numerous high-speed corners, massive braking zones, and tight chicanes, the track demands exceptional precision from both drivers and teams. The infamous barrier has claimed the careers of several high-profile drivers over the years, including Jacques Laffite, Nelson Piquet Jr., and even reigning champ Max Verstappen.

Weather Conditions: A Welcome Break from Rain

Unusually good weather is forecasted for Montréal, with temperatures expected to reach the low-20s Celsius. This presents a welcome break from torrential rain that has plagued much of the season. Fingers crossed it stays dry throughout the event!

Viewing Information and Streaming Details

Sky Sports subscribers can watch every corner of the Canadian Grand Prix on Sky Sports F1 and other channels, while non-Sky customers can stream the action with NOW, a subscription-only service offering access to all 12 Sky Sports channels and more.