Mercedes will roll out a major aerodynamic upgrade package for the W17 at the Canadian Grand Prix, hoping to turn its early‑season dominance into clear pace. After only a minor tweak in Miami, team boss Toto Wolff expects the new front‑wing and barge‑board concepts to deliver measurable lap‑time gains. rivals will be watching closely through the summer testing window ahead.

McLaren arrives in Montreal with a fresh batch of parts, building on its Miami chassis upgrades after a disappointing 2025 showing that saw Norris and Piastri tangle for fourth. Team principal Andrea Stella promises a “pipeline” of developments for Canada, Monaco and Spain. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has scrapped simulator work, betting that a tactile preparation will revive his podium chances after a sprint in Miami.

The Canadian Grand Prix will host F1’s first Sprint weekend on a street circuit, compressing qualifying into a single session and rewarding drivers who dare the walls. Rain is forecast for Sunday, promising the new 2026 cars will tackle wet conditions for the first time this season. Max Verstappen, from a Nürburgring 24‑Hour outing, aims to add podium as he starts from the front row.