The Ultimate Formula 1 Montreal Grand Prix Guide: Everything You Need to Know
History of the Montreal Grand Prix
The Canadian Grand Prix has been a fixture on the Formula 1 calendar since 1967, with Montreal hosting the event since 1978. The race is held at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, named after the legendary Canadian F1 driver who won his first Grand Prix at this very track in 1978 while driving for Ferrari.
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a 4.361 km (2.71 miles) track situated on Notre Dame Island, a man-made island in the St. Lawrence River that was expanded for the 1967 World's Fair.
Track Characteristics:
- Layout: 14 turns with a mixture of slow corners connected by high-speed straightaways
- Notable Features: The infamous "Wall of Champions" at the final chicane, which has claimed many F1 greats over the years
- Best Viewing Spots: Grandstands 11 and 12 (hairpin turn), Grandstand 1 (start/finish line), and Grandstand 31 (Wall of Champions)
- Lap Record: 1:13.078 set by Valtteri Bottas in 2019
- Environmental Setting: Surrounded by water with the Montreal skyline as a backdrop
Where To Buy Montreal Grand Prix Tickets
Tickets for the Montreal Grand Prix typically go on sale in early December for the following year's race, which is usually held in June. Here are your best options:
- Formula1.com
- Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Website (Often, the first-place tickets become available)
- Grand Prix du Canada Official Site
When Does The Race Take Place?
The 2025 Montreal Grand Prix is scheduled for June 13-15, 2025, with the main race taking place on Sunday, June 15.
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Where To Watch
Can't get tickets? Don't worry! Places across the city will be showing the race. Here are a few of our recommendations:
Getting to the Circuit
- Metro: The easiest way to reach the circuit is via the Yellow Line to Jean-Drapeau station
- Bixi Bikes: Montreal's bike-sharing system is popular during race weekend
- Water Shuttle: Boat service from the Old Port to Île Notre-Dame
Fun Facts About the F1 Montreal Grand Prix
- Groundhogs have a habit of wandering onto the track during races.
- The final chicane's exit wall earned its nickname after three world champions (Schumacher, Hill, and Villeneuve) all crashed there during the 1999 race.
- The 2011 Canadian Grand Prix holds the record for the longest F1 race in history, lasting 4 hours, 4 minutes, and 39 seconds due to heavy rain.
- The circuit was originally named Île Notre-Dame Circuit after the man-made island where it is located. However, it was re-named after one of Canada’s most successful F1 drivers, Gilles Villeneuve, in 1982, after his tragic death at the Belgian Grand Prix that year.
- Michael Schumacher is the most successful F1 driver at the Canadian Grand Prix, having won the event several times.
Experience the thrill of the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, Quebec, Canada's second-largest city. Whether you're drawn by the high-speed racing, the lively festival environment, or the prestige of this event, the Canadian Grand Prix offers a memorable weekend for all ages. For the best experience, make sure to plan and book early!
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