Canada Grand Prix

The Engines Roar Back to Life for the Canadian Grand Prix

This weekend, the Formula 1 circus heads to one of the most beloved circuits on the calendar—the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Built in 1976 on the man-made Île Notre-Dame, this iconic track was renamed in 1982 to honor Ferrari legend Gilles Villeneuve, following his tragic death.

A Track Full of Character

At 4.361 km, the Montreal circuit is a thrilling mix of high-speed straights, slow corners, and punishing chicanes. Three long DRS zones create prime overtaking opportunities, especially into Turn 1, where drivers can take different lines through the opening esses.

The "Wall of Champions" at the final chicane has claimed many victims over the years—including multiple world champions—while the hairpin at Turn 10 sets up another key passing spot. But the most technical challenge comes in Turns 3 to 7, where following another car closely can overheat the tires.

And then there’s the unpredictable Montreal weather. Sunshine can vanish in an instant, replaced by torrential rain—forcing teams to scramble with strategy changes on the fly.

Ferrari’s Focus: Building Momentum

Fred Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal, emphasized the team’s preparation:
"We’ve pushed hard in Maranello to adapt to Montreal’s unique demands. Our recent progress—especially on race days—has been encouraging, and we aim to maximize our points haul here."

Power Unit Demands: A Balancing Act

Fredrik Westin, Ferrari’s Power Unit Engineer, broke down the challenges:

• Acceleration and braking are critical, with nine of 14 corners being tight 90-degree turns.

• The long straights help energy recovery, while cooler conditions (forecast this year) benefit engine cooling.

• Managing PU allocation is a strategic puzzle—balancing performance, reliability, and avoiding grid penalties.

Haas Hits a Milestone

This race marks MoneyGram Haas F1 Team’s 200th Grand Prix since joining F1 in 2016. With 333 points, three fastest laps, and a pole position, the American squad continues pushing forward, eager for more breakthroughs.

A Historic Venue

Canada’s F1 history dates back to 1967, rotating between Mosport Park and Mont-Tremblant before settling on Île Notre-Dame—originally built for Expo 67. Since its debut in 1978, the circuit has become a fan favorite, now ranking as the fifth most-used track in F1 history.

With its high-speed blasts, concrete-lined chicanes, and ever-changing conditions, Montreal always delivers drama. Buckle up—this weekend promises to be another classic.