Canada

The Canadian Grand Prix, is a classic in the world of Formula One. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, has been able to host a decent number of iconic moments in the history of Formula One. The track till this day feels special, especially the track being named after Gilles Villeneuve who was a Canadian Formula One Driver.

Onboard Lap using EA SPORTS F1® 24

Photograph from the Official Formula1 website

Canadian Grand Prix

The first Canadian Grand Prix, took place at the Montreal Circuit (then called the Circuit Île Notre-Dame) on Île Notre-Dame in Montreal, Quebec. Formula One began hosting the first Canadian GP during the 1978 FIA Formula One World Championship, where Jackie Stewart, the famous Scottish driver, racing for Matra International. Stewart had a dominant performance and took the victory in the 90-lap race.

Canadian Grand Prix (1978) Track Layout

1950 - 1982 (racingcircuits.info)

Length: 4.36km /2.71mi

Laps: 90

During the 1982 Canadian Grand Prix, this would be one of the most heartbreaking races that the Canadian fans would face during the Grand Prix. The 1982 Canadian Grand Prix was the final race of Gilles Villeneuve, Canada’s beloved motorsport hero. Villeneuve tragically passed away earlier in the season, but the Canadian GP became an emotional and memorable event for his fans. The race became a tribute to Villeneuve’s legacy and his incredible contribution to the sport. Because of this, it was agreed to re-name the track to be called The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve from now on.

1978 Canadian GP (Motor Sport Magazine)

Villeneuve's Last Race 1982 Canadian GP (Motorsport.com)

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Layout

Turns: 14

DRS Zones: 3

Length: 4.36km (2.71mi)

Fastest Lap: Valtteri Bottas

1:13.078

Schumacher's Crash 1999 Canadian GP (Motor Sport Magazine)

During the 1999 Canadian Grand Prix, the race would severely impact Ferrari's Michael Schumacher's World Championship. Schumacher was leading the Grand Prix but, unfortunately lost control of his car in the final chicane and crashed into the barriers. The crash significantly impacted his title challenge for the season. This moment was so crucial because it handed the lead in the championship to his teammate, Eddie Irvine, and ultimately cost Schumacher a shot at the title that year. The wall in the final chicane would be known as the "Wall of Champions". Due to the number of F1 Champions, tending to crash at those barriers.

Hamilton's first ever Grand Prix win. 2007 Canadian GP (Motorsport Images)

During the 2007 FIA Formula One World Championship, the 2007 Canadian GP would mark the first victory for young superstar, Lewis Hamilton. The 2007 Canadian GP was a special race as it marked the first career victory for Hamilton, which he would go on to become world champion later at 2008. Hamilton passed Fernando Alonso during a dramatic race filled with rain, safety cars, and multiple pit stops. This victory was the first of many in his legendary career

The 2011 Canadian Grand Prix, would be remembered as being one of the greatest Formula One races of all time. The Grand Prix was one of the longest races ever in the history of F1, due to bad weather, safety car deployments, etc. But the Grand Prix would mark Jenson Button's remarkable victory at the Grand Prix. Button claimed a stunning victory after a chaotic race filled with rain, crashes, and safety cars. Button started from 7th, and after being involved in multiple incidents including an off-track excursion and a pit stop penalty, he fought his way back to the front in a rain-affected final stint. He passed Sebastian Vettel on the last lap in a dramatic finish. The race lasted for over 4 hours, making it the longest race in F1 history at the time.

The Canadian GP would also be another first victory for another driver. During the 2014 Canadian GP, Australian superstar Daniel Ricciardo, managed to score his first win in his career. he race was filled with drama, with Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg both suffering from technical issues, which allowed Ricciardo to utilize on the opportunity. It was a breakthrough moment for the Australian driver, as he became a race winner in F1 and put himself on the map as one of the sport's future stars.

Jenson Button's victory 2011 Canadian GP (Motor Sport Magazine)

Daniel Ricciardo's first victory 2014 Canadian GP (The Guardian)

Sebastian Vettel's frustration 2019 Canadian GP (Sky Sports)

At the 2019 Canadian GP, this would be such a controversial win for 4 time Champion Sebastian Vettel. Vettel crossed the finish line in 1st place, but a 5-second penalty was applied after the race due to a mistake he made when he went off track and rejoined in an unsafe manner. This decision handed the win to Lewis Hamilton and sparked significant controversy. The incident remains one of the most contentious moments in recent Canadian GP history, with many questioning the fairness of the penalty.

Formula One has managed to host a lot of great action here in the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve since it's debut back in 1979. A lot of first Grand Prix victories for World Champions happened here in Montreal, as well as dramatic weather changes that constantly happen on the circuit, which provides a lot of dramatic moments to happen. The Canadian Grand Prix will always remain a fan favorite and would always be a part of the Formula One family.

WINNERS

1978: Mario Andretti
1979: Jody Scheckter
1980: Alan Jones
1981: Jacques Laffite
1982: Didier Pironi
1983: René Arnoux
1984: Niki Lauda
1985: Alain Prost
1986: Nigel Mansell
1987: Nelson Piquet
1988: Ayrton Senna
1989: Alain Prost
1990: Nelson Piquet

1991: Nigel Mansell
1992: Michael Schumacher
1993: Alain Prost
1994: Michael Schumacher
1995: Jean Alesi
1996: Damon Hill
1997: Michael Schumacher
1998: Michael Schumacher
1999: Heinz-Harald Frentzen
2000: Michael Schumacher

2001: Ralf Schumacher
2002: Michael Schumacher
2003: Juan Pablo Montoya
2004: Michael Schumacher
2005: Kimi Räikkönen
2006: Fernando Alonso
2007: Lewis Hamilton
2008: Robert Kubica
2009: Lewis Hamilton
2010: Lewis Hamilton

2011: Jenson Button
2012: Lewis Hamilton
2013: Sebastian Vettel
2014: Daniel Ricciardo
2015: Lewis Hamilton
2016: Lewis Hamilton
2017: Lewis Hamilton
2018: Sebastian Vettel
2019: Lewis Hamilton

2022: Max Verstappen
2023: Max Verstappen

2024: Max Verstappen