If you are wondering why there were 3 formation laps at the Canadian GP 2026, here is a detailed explanation.
At the start of every race, there is a formation lap that lets drivers warm up their tires a bit and get to their starting positions. This Canadian GP was no different — all of the drivers drove the first formation lap and took their starting positions.
As the race was about to start, the red lights were lit and we were all waiting for all drivers to send it. The red light phase was unexpectedly long, and we were all wondering what was going on. Lights out — what’s the reason? Arvid Lindblad’s car was stuck in place. As Arvid reported on the radio, the car was not able to go into gear.
The race stewards decided to call for another formation lap. While the rest of the drivers started another formation lap, the marshals jumped onto the track and started pushing Arvid’s car backwards all the way to the pit lane. The second formation lap finished and all drivers took their initial starting positions, but Arvid’s car was still in the pit, so the race directors decided to call for yet another formation lap so they could get Arvid’s car into the garage.
After the third formation lap, Arvid’s car was finally in the garage and the race was about to start. Arvid unfortunately had to retire from the race.
