My First Formula 1 Grand Prix (and the Disney Surprise I Wasn't Expecting!)

Attending the Montreal Grand Prix for the first time? Here’s what my mother-son day was like, plus my favorite tips and the magical Disney x Formula 1 experience.

I finally experienced the Montreal Grand Prix for the first time and discovered a fun Disney x Formula 1 activation along the way. Here's what the day was really like, plus tips for first-time visitors.

Growing up in Montreal, you’d think attending the Formula 1 Grand Prix would have happened for me long before now… after all, it is one of the biggest weekends of the year in the city.

But somehow, despite being born and raised here, this past May was my very first time experiencing it for myself.

My husband has been going to the Grand Prix every year for as long as I can remember, but this year I decided it was finally my turn. Better yet, I brought my oldest son along for a fun day together, and it turned into one of those memories I’ll always look back on with a smile.

As excited as I was to experience Formula 1 for the first time, I had one extra reason for counting down the days… Disney had officially entered the chat.

The Disney x Formula 1 Collaboration

When Disney announced its collaboration with Formula 1, I knew I had to see it in person.

The partnership, called “Fuel the Magic,” blends the worlds of Disney and racing through special fan experiences, exclusive merchandise, and interactive activations at select Grand Prix weekends.

Naturally, finding the Disney activation became one of our missions for the day.

And let me tell you… it was worth the hunt.

Inside the Disney x F1 “Fuel the Magic” Fan Zone, we found the Disney x F1 Academy Minnie Mouse & Daisy Duck-inspired show car, snapped photos at the Disney x F1 photo booth, and, of course, couldn’t resist picking up a few pieces from the exclusive Disney x F1 Academy Collection.

Seeing Minnie and Daisy reimagined with a racing twist was such a fun crossover. As someone who spends plenty of time planning at Disney parks, it felt like two completely different worlds had somehow collided in the best possible way.

It Was Hot… But Disney Prepared Me

If there’s one thing Disney vacations have taught me over the years, it’s how to survive a full day outside in the heat.

Trust me when I say: that experience came in handy for Montreal’s Grand Prix Weekend of 2026.

The Montreal Grand Prix takes place almost entirely outdoors, and between walking the circuit, exploring the Fan Zone, and finding our seats, we spent hours in the sun.

My biggest tip? Wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and don’t underestimate sunscreen. Reapplying throughout the day made a huge difference, especially since there isn’t shade everywhere around the circuit.

Of course, a hat is another great way to protect yourself from the sun… but rather than bringing one from home, I purchased one from the Disney x F1 collab!

Honestly, it felt a lot like a summer day at Magic Kingdom. Lots of walking, lots of sunshine, and completely worth it if you’re prepared.

My Favorite Grand Prix Tip

One thing we accidentally did that worked out perfectly? We visited the Fan Zone during one of the on-track qualifying sessions.

While everyone else was watching the action from the grandstands, the Fan Zone became noticeably quieter. That meant shorter lines, more time to explore, and a chance to enjoy experiences like the LEGO activation, KitKat booth, Hot Wheels stand, and the Disney “Fuel the Magic” area without feeling rushed.

If it’s your first Grand Prix, I highly recommend planning part of your day this way. You’ll miss a little on-track action, but you’ll gain so much time to enjoy everything happening around the circuit.

Would I Go Again?

Yes, I would absolutely do this again! Before this year, I always thought of the Grand Prix as “my husband’s thing.”

…but now, I totally get it.

There’s an incredible atmosphere throughout the city. The energy is contagious… plus, sharing the experience with my oldest made it even more special.