
Formula 1 drivers will have the lowest energy harvesting limit of the season so far in qualifying sessions at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix.
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is holding its first sprint event this weekend. The lower energy harvesting rate of 6MJ, 1MJ lower than that seen at the season-opening race in Melbourne, will apply to both qualifying sessions.
The FIA lowered the upper limit for energy harvesting in qualifying ahead of the previous round in Miami due to concerns over how drastically cars were slowing down on flying laps to conserve electrical energy. However the harvesting rate will vary between circuits due to variations in their configuration. The Montreal circuit features several long acceleration zones but also frequent braking points where the cars’ hybrid power units can harvest energy.
Four ‘Straight Mode’ zones – where drivers can lower their wing angles to reduce drag – have also been specified for this weekend’s race. These correspond to the three DRS zones used last year, plus an extra activation point between turns nine and ten. However, unlike the other three, this fourth zone will only be available for drivers to use in dry conditions.
| Albert Park | Shanghai | Suzuka | Miami | Montreal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum recharge per lap | |||||
| Race – Without Overtake mode | 8MJ | 8.5MJ | 8.5MJ | 8.5MJ | 8MJ |
| Race – With Overtake mode | 8.5MJ | 9MJ | 9MJ | 9MJ | 8.5MJ |
| Qualifying | 7MJ | 9MJ | 8MJ | 8MJ | 6MJ |
| Free practice | 8.5MJ | 9MJ | 9MJ | 9MJ | 8.5MJ |
| Out laps (except in races) | 8.5MJ | 9MJ | 9MJ | 9MJ | 8.5MJ |
| Track details | |||||
| Track length | 5.278km | 5.451km | 5.807km | 5.412km | 4.361km |
| Power limited distance | 3.518km | 3.125km | 3.472km | 3.346km | 2.682km |
| Maximum power reduction rate | 50kW/s | 100kW/s | 100kW/s | 100kW/s | 100kW/s |
| Areas where reduction can exceed 150kW | T11-13 | T7-9, T11-12 | T3-T6, T8-T8, T13-T14 | T4-T8, T11-T16, (T17-T19*) | T5-T6, (T13-T14 exit*) |
*Qualifying sessions only
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2026 Canadian Grand Prix
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Keith Collantine
Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 – when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring journalist, Keith began running the site full-time in 2010, achieving a long-held ambition to dedicate his full attention to his passion for motor racing. View all posts by Keith Collantine




