The 2024 Canadian Grand Prix is in the books with Max Verstappen taking the checkered flag. It was the latest chapter in a race that dates back to 1961. That means there have been more than 50 editions of the Canadian Grand Prix held, many of them giving fans lasting memories. While we patiently wait for next year’s Canadian Grand Prix, let’s look back at some of the best moments in Canadian Grand Prix history.
Last Lap Drama (1991)
The ending to the 1991 Canadian Grand Prix is arguably the best in the history of the race. Nigel Mansell led virtually the entire race and started to celebrate heading into the final lap, believing that the race was already won. That gave Nelson Piquet the window he needed to pass Mansell and take the chequered flag. It was a devastating moment that Mansell will never forget for all of the wrong reasons. Meanwhile, it was the 23rd and last Formula One win in Piquet’s illustrious career.
Michael Schumacher’s Late Crash (1999)
Schumacher looked like he was going to coast to victory at the Canadian Grand Prix in 1999. However, the famous “Wall of Champions” at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve had other ideas. Schumacher made one little mistake at the wall, crashing into it with the race almost won. The crash forced Schumacher to retire, keeping him from the chequered flag. While he’s not the only driver to fall victim to that part of the course, Schumacher’s crash in 1999 is perhaps the most memorable time a driver has been denied victory by the famous wall.
Lewis Hamilton’s Famous Crash (2008)
The 2008 race brought some unexpected drama when Hamilton collided with Kimi Räikkönen while on pit lane. Somehow, Hamilton misjudged how long it would take him to come to a full stop, leading to the accident. Needless to say, chaos ensued at pit lane, as the two cars were briefly stuck together. Unfortunately for Hamilton, there was too much damage done to his car, forcing him to retire from the Canadian Grand Prix. On the bright side, Hamilton was still able to win the F1 title for the first time that year.
Alan Jones Clinches World Championship (1980)
The 1980 Canadian Grand Prix marked the first time a driver clinched the world driver’s championship while racing in Canada. Jones entered the race with a mere one-point lead over Nelson Piquet. Soon after the race began, Jones and Piquet collided, leading to an eight-car pile up. That accident forced Piquet to retire from the race, giving Jones a clear path to the championship. Jones kept his nerve and won the Canadian Grand Prix with help from a one-minute penalty handed down to Didier Pironi. With it, Jones won the world driver’s championship.
Jean Alesi’s Birthday Win (1995)
In 1995, Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were the clear favorites heading into the Canadian Grand Prix. Schumacher, in particular, looked head and shoulders ahead of the rest of the field. However, a bad steering wheel forced Schumacher to pit lane with just 10 laps to go, making it anyone’s race to win. Shockingly, it was Ferrari’s Jean Alesi who took control of first place with Schumacher out of the picture. Celebrating his 31st birthday that day, Alesi didn’t realize he was in first place initially but soon had tears in his eyes because he was so emotional. The 1995 Canadian Grand Prix turned out to be Alesi’s first and only F1 victory, but a memorable one nonetheless.
Back then, few people would have been betting on Alesi to win that race, even if betting had been legal at the time. Today, sports betting, including bets on F1 races, is legal throughout Canada. According to BettingTop10 Canada, there are many legal betting options in Canada, although they can vary from one province to the next. There are also several important factors to consider when choosing the right sportsbook.
Jenson Button’s Worst-to-First Victory (2011)
Last but not least, the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix stands alone as not just the best F1 race in Canadian history but arguably one of the best F1 races ever. The race is perhaps best remembered for periods of heavy rain and several safety car periods. With a rain delay of over two hours and six safety cars, no driver could find a rhythm, testing both their skill on a wet track, as well as their endurance and patience. In the end, it was Jenson Button literally going from last to first. He started the race in last place but managed to overtake Sebastian Vettel during the race’s final lap. At over four hours and four minutes, this was the longest Canadian Grand Prix ever but undoubtedly a memorable one thanks to Button’s unlikely victory.
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