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WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The keys to success in Montreal
Another first-time event is up next as FIA Formula 2 heads to Montreal for a maiden visit to Canada.
As was the case in Miami, teams and drivers have no prior real-life data to fall back on and will be entering into the unknown around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Will experience or bravery count for more? Here are a few items you’ll want to pay close attention to this weekend.
DRS GAMES
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has three DRS zones around the lap and those are crucial in making passes around what is still a street circuit.
The first of the zones comes between Turns 7 and 8 and while it’s difficult to pull off an overtake into the fast chicane, it does keep drivers within touching distance of the car ahead in a crucial phase of the lap.
Up next is the favoured overtaking spot, with the long back stretch and DRS zone between Turns 11 and 13 followed by a braking zone into the final chicane.
The detection point for this area is actually a quarter of the way between Turns 9 and 10, reaffirming the importance of that initial DRS phase earlier in the lap.
Then, it’s onto the main start/finish straight where cars can fight back into the opening corner of the lap in the third and final DRS zone.
Expect drivers to pass and pass again, with those suffering with tyre wear under acceleration particularly vulnerable to the drag reduction pass.
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THE WALL OF CHAMPIONS
So famous is this outside barrier that is carries the title ‘Wall of Champions’.
Over the years, it has claimed many a big name, including the likes of home hero Jacques Villeneuve, along with fellow F1 World Champions Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill, Jenson Button and Sebastian Vettel.
The nature of the final chicane invites drivers to carry as much speed as possible into the start/finish straight in order to close the lap well.
Push too much though, and there’s no room for error, and any contact usually ends up with a session-ending shunt.
Those that can carry the speed through the chicane and into the last blast to the line could make the difference in Qualifying, as it is very much a risk versus reward section of track. It is one that usually brings action from the very outset of a race weekend in Canada.
PODIUMS AND POINTS
It might just be Round 3, however there is a trend beginning to emerge between several of the early contenders.
Four drivers have maintained a streak from Melbourne through Miami by visiting the podium at least once each weekend.
Championship leader Nikola Tsolov has taken two race victories, while three of his rivals have achieved two podiums apiece in their own right.
Rafael Câmara, Laurens van Hoepen and Alexander Dunne are the other trio of drivers that have been able to take to the podium at every round in 2026, underlining their impressive form so far this year.
While there is a long way to go and plenty of races between now and the season-ending chequered flag, beginning to put together consistent results and podium performances will go a long way in keeping title hopes going into the busy period of the season.
There are seven races in the next nine weeks, and by the end of that stint we will have a good idea of who our title contenders are. Positive results and missed points will begin to add up very quickly.
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TEAMS AT THE TOP
Nine points separate the top three teams in the Standings heading into Montreal, with Campos Racing leading Invicta Racing and MP Motorsport currently.
All three teams have achieved at least one race victory already this season, and they are the current outfits in form heading to Canada.
Campos has achieved two wins courtesy of Tsolov, though his lead over second-placed Gabriele Minì and Câmara sits at a single point, 35 to 34.
All three have showcased their abilities already this season, and there is every chance any of them could find themselves on the top step this weekend.
For Câmara, he’s still aiming for his maiden F2 victory, but feels confident it will come sooner rather than later. Minì will want to roll his momentum on from Miami, while Tsolov is eager to underline his credentials as the early Championship favourite based on his performances so far.
Keep a close eye on their teams and what they are doing, as it’s likely they will be fighting at the front once more.