The Canadian Grand Prix has been a part of the Formula 1 championship since 1967, but before that it was a key event in the Canadian Sports Car Championship. It has been held at a number of different racing circuits over the years, but settled at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in the late 1970s.
Like all of the big Formula 1 races it produces hair-raising thrills every year. Motor racing is like Texas Holdem poker in the way it keeps both the competitors and spectators on the edges of their seats from start to finish.
This grand prix has witnessed many great champions, with Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton the most successful, on seven wins apiece. Last year it was won by Max Verstappen for Red Bull Racing on his way to the Driver’s Championship and he is the early front-runner again this year.
The Canadian Grand Prix is not just about the race for those who attend it though. The host city of Montreal has a lot of other things to recommend it. Check out our guide to what to see and do.
How to Get There
Once you are in Montreal, getting to and from the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will be a simple matter. Even if you have your own car, it will be better to leave it at home and use the excellent public transport system or just walk to the track if the weather is fine.
Facilities and Events On-Site
If you want to, you can easily spend your whole time in the city at the track. There is not just the race itself – which happens between 2pm and 4pm on Sunday 9th June – but several days of activities at the circuit.
Should you be very lucky, you might win one of the free tickets for the Pit Lane Walk. This gives the fortunate few a chance to take between half an hour and an hour walking through the pit lane and having a peek into each team’s garage area.
It is worth trying for a ticket if you are a Formula 1 fanatic. This will take place on Thursday 6th June.
For those who do not win one of them, the first day where there are interesting activities at the trackside is Friday 7th June. From early in the morning you can watch practice sessions and these continue throughout the day, so there is plenty of racing action on offer.
That continues on the Saturday, although by this stage it is all about qualifying sessions for the main event. These are worth watching because the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a tricky one, with tight barriers and a narrow track that test even the best of drivers.
It will also be interesting to see how the chosen soft tire compounds handle in the conditions.
Then on the Sunday, it is time for the race itself. Get to the circuit early, because people really turn out for the Canadian Grand Prix and the crowds can make it tough if you leave it late.
When it comes to exiting at the end of the day, wait until most of the spectators have dispersed. There is the option of camping out for the three days if you want to avoid battling your way through these crowds, as this is one of the best-attended races. Group games like poker will be a good way to pass the time between events.
Another activity planned at the circuit is the Williams Fan Zone, where you can meet drivers and try out e-sports Formula 1 simulators. This year will also feature two concerts, which marks a first, involving the Chainsmokers on Friday and Pitbull on Sunday.
Tickets for these are separate from the main race event though.
Things to do in Montreal
Of course, you do not have to spend all of your time at the circuit. Maybe you just want to attend on the day of the Canadian Grand Prix and spend the rest of the time exploring Montreal.
The city makes the most of this annual event and there are Formula 1-themed activities everywhere. One of the biggest will be a Grand Prix Festival, which is taking place at Crescent Street and includes live music, DJs, stage shows and race car displays.
Top drivers often make appearances during this festival too.
The bars in this part of the town are where the party atmosphere takes hold during the days leading up to the race. Any good guide would recommend spending the time you are not at the circuit in the downtown area of Montreal.
The Canadian Grand Prix is one of the hottest events on the Formula 1 calendar and is one that should not be missed.
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