From a surprise visit by the World Cup trophy to drivers testing their hockey skills, the Canadian Grand Prix weekend was packed with unique moments beyond the track. This piece captures the lesser-seen highlights of the event.
Montreal played host to a thrilling fifth round of the 2026 Formula 1 season, where the on-track action saw Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli continue his dominant streak with a fourth consecutive win. Behind him, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen rounded out the podium, making for an exciting race. But there was plenty happening off the track that you might have missed.
With the World Cup just around the corner, the paddock got a taste of football fever as the iconic trophy made its rounds. FIFA President Gianni Infantino proudly showcased the golden cup, making stops at the Williams and Red Bull areas, much to the delight of fans and drivers, including Isack Hadjar. As the tournament approaches, one wonders which F1 drivers will be cheering for their national teams this summer.
In a city where hockey is king, the paddock couldn't resist the allure of the sport. As the Montreal Canadiens battled in the conference finals, drivers took a break to test their skills on the ice. Alex Albon showed a natural flair, while the McLaren and Haas crews found the target a bit elusive. Special hockey jerseys were even gifted to the grid, adding a local touch to the weekend.
Montreal is more than just F1 and hockey; it's also the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil. Drivers like Pierre Gasly and Isack Hadjar embraced the circus spirit early in the week by trying their hand at juggling and other circus arts. It was a delightful detour from their usual racing routines.
The podium celebration was as memorable as the race itself. Antonelli's win was his fourth in a row, and Hamilton's podium finish marked his best with Ferrari to date. Verstappen's return to the top three added to the joy. In a heartwarming moment, Hamilton, with his mother watching on, shared a playful lift with Antonelli, highlighting the camaraderie between past and present Mercedes drivers.
The marshals at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve had their hands full, but one particularly committed marshal stood out. During a Virtual Safety Car period, he sprinted to clear debris with such enthusiasm that his dive through the fencing gap became one of the weekend's unexpected highlights.
For Lance Stroll, racing at home in Montreal holds special significance. Though the weekend didn't go exactly to plan for the Aston Martin driver, he took joy in a uniquely designed helmet featuring Canadian cherries and a maple leaf. Additionally, Honda, Aston Martin’s engine supplier, treated Stroll to an impressive array of cars for the occasion.
Several drivers unveiled special helmet designs for the weekend. Lando Norris’s helmet, created in partnership with Sir Jackie Stewart’s Race Against Dementia charity, carried a powerful message with its depiction of brain health. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri, Ollie Bearman, and Pierre Gasly each sported unique designs, with Gasly’s helmet paying tribute to his Canadian surroundings.
These moments, while perhaps overshadowed by the on-track drama, added a layer of richness to the Canadian Grand Prix experience. They remind us that Formula 1 is not just about the race but also about the culture and personalities that make the sport so captivating.