This year, the much-anticipated Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix is set to take place in Montreal from June 16 to 18. Prior to this event, Formula 1 teams competed at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain for the Barcelona Grand Prix. Following the excitement in Canada, the next stop will be the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria.
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve: Montreal’s Pride in F1 History
The Formula One Canadian Grand Prix has a rich history dating back to its inaugural race in 1967 at Circuit Mont-Tremblant, Quebec. This first race saw the victory of the legendary Jack Brabham, a two-time world champion at that time. Over the years, the event moved between various locations before settling at its current home, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, in 1978.
Named in memory of Gilles Villeneuve, a Canadian racing icon who sadly passed away in a 1982 Belgian Grand Prix accident, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has been synonymous with the Canadian Grand Prix since then. Known for its high-speed stretches, tight turns, and demanding layout, the circuit tests the mettle of the world’s best drivers.
One of the most notable moments in the circuit’s history was in 1994, when Michael Schumacher, who would go on to become a record-holding world champion, clinched his first Formula 1 victory here. Schumacher’s affinity with this track is evident as he won the Canadian Grand Prix seven times, marking his extraordinary career.
The Canadian Grand Prix faced cancellations in 2020 and 2021 due to the global Corona pandemic.
Exploring the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit
Situated on Île Notre-Dame in Montreal, the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is a temporary motor racing track named on June 12, 1982, in honor of Gilles Villeneuve. The circuit, set on the man-made Île Notre-Dame in the St. Lawrence River, doubles as a public road when not hosting races.
Featuring long straights and fast sections due to its location on the elongated island, the course spans 4.361 km and is raced in a clockwise direction. Over 70 laps, drivers cover a total distance of 305.270 km.
Since its establishment in 1978, the circuit has seen minimal changes. Major alterations include moving the start-finish line and pit lane in 1987 to the end of the Droit du Casino straight, rather than behind the Épingle des Stands hairpin. In 2002, the pit exit was modified, now leading into the Virage de Senna hairpin instead of the first corner.
Champions of the Canadian Grand Prix
Over the years, the Canadian Grand Prix has celebrated numerous winners, each leaving their mark on this historic circuit.
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Max Verstappen |
| 2021 | No race |
| 2020 | No race |
| 2019 | Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) |
| 2018 | Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) |
| 2017 | Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) |
| 2016 | Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) |
| 2015 | Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) |
| 2014 | Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull-Renault) |
| 2013 | Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull-Renault) |
| 2012 | Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes) |
| 2011 | Jenson Button (McLaren-Mercedes) |
| 2010 | Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes) |
| 2009 | No race |
| 2008 | Robert Kubica (BMW Sauber) |
| 2007 | Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes) |
| 2006 | Fernando Alonso (Renault) |
| 2005 | Kimi Räikkönen (McLaren-Mercedes) |
| 2004 | Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) |
| 2003 | Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) |
| 2002 | Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) |
| 2001 | Ralf Schumacher (Williams-BMW) |
| 2000 | Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) |
| 1999 | Mika Häkkinen (McLaren-Mercedes) |
| 1998 | Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) |
| 1997 | Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) |
| 1996 | Damon Hill (Williams-Renault) |
| 1995 | Jean Alesi (Ferrari) |
| 1994 | Michael Schumacher (Benetton-Ford Cosworth) |
| 1993 | Alain Prost (Williams-Renault) |
| 1992 | Gerhard Berger (McLaren-Honda) |
| 1991 | Nelson Piquet (Benetton-Ford Cosworth) |
| 1990 | Ayrton Senna (McLaren-Honda) |
| 1989 | Thierry Boutsen (Williams-Renault) |
| 1988 | Ayrton Senna (McLaren-Honda) |
| 1987 | No race |
| 1986 | Nigel Mansell (Williams-Honda) |
| 1985 | Michele Alboreto (Ferrari) |
| 1984 | Nelson Piquet (Brabham-BMW) |
| 1983 | René Arnoux (Ferrari) |
| 1982 | Nelson Piquet (Brabham-BMW) |
| 1981 | Jacques Laffite (Ligier-Matra) |
| 1980 | Alan Jones (Williams-Ford Cosworth) |
| 1979 | Alan Jones (Williams-Ford Cosworth) |
| 1978 | Gilles Villeneuve (Ferrari) |
| 1977 | Jody Scheckter (McLaren-Ford Cosworth) |
| 1976 | James Hunt (McLaren-Ford Cosworth) |
| 1975 | No race |
| 1974 | Emerson Fittipaldi (McLaren-Ford Cosworth) |
| 1973 | Peter Revson (McLaren-Ford Cosworth) |
| 1972 | Jackie Stewart (Tyrrell-Ford Cosworth) |
| 1971 | Jackie Stewart (Tyrrell-Ford Cosworth) |
| 1970 | Jacky Ickx (Ferrari) |
| 1969 | Jacky Ickx (Brabham-Ford Cosworth) |
| 1968 | Denis Hulme (McLaren-Ford Cosworth) |
| 1967 | Jack Brabham (Brabham-Repco) |
Stellar Performances at the Gilles-Villeneuve Circuit
The Canadian Grand Prix at Montreal’s Gilles-Villeneuve Circuit has witnessed some remarkable achievements over the years, particularly from two of Formula 1’s most celebrated drivers.
When it comes to securing pole positions at the Canadian Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher from Germany and Lewis Hamilton from the United Kingdom have both demonstrated exceptional prowess. Each has claimed the pole position six times, showcasing their skill and consistency on this challenging track.
In terms of victories, Schumacher and Hamilton again stand out, each having emerged as champions seven times at the Montreal GP. This remarkable feat places them jointly at the top for the most wins in the history of the Canadian Grand Prix, reflecting their dominance in the sport.
The circuit’s current lap record is held by the Finnish racing talent, Valtteri Bottas. In 2019, driving a Mercedes, Bottas delivered an extraordinary performance, clocking a lap time of 1:13.078.
However, the fastest lap ever recorded at the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit belongs to Germany’s Sebastian Vettel. During the qualifying round in 2019, Vettel pushed his Ferrari to the limits, setting an unparalleled record time of 1:10.240.
Access to Formula 1: No Pay-TV Required?
For fans seeking to watch Formula 1 races, there’s a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy all the action from home. Without the need for a pay-TV subscription, you can access live streams of Formula 1 races. This method, which I’ve personally been using for years, offers excellent broadcast quality. It’s a great option for enthusiasts who want to stay up-to-date with all the thrilling races.