Formula 1 Heads to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix
As the Formula 1 season shifts from Europe to North America, all eyes are on the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend. To get you ready for the action-packed event, we’ve got your Need to Know guide, packed with vital statistics, driving pointers, strategy tips, and more.
Schedule and Track Details
The Canadian Grand Prix will take place at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, with first and second practice sessions on Friday, June 7. Final practice and qualifying will follow on Saturday, June 8, culminating in the main event on Sunday, June 9.
Vital Statistics
- First Grand Prix: 1967 (Mosport)
- Track Length: 4.361km
- Lap record: 1m 13.078s, Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes, 2019
- Most pole positions: Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton (6)
- Most wins: Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton (7)
- Trivia: Canada hosted the longest race in F1 history in 2011, clocking in at four hours, four minutes, and 39 seconds
- Pole run to Turn 1 braking point: 186 metres
- Overtakes completed in 2023: 46
- Safety Car probability: 67%
- Virtual Safety Car probability: 67%
- Pit stop time loss: 18.35 seconds (including 2.5s stop)
Fan View and Prediction
According to F1 Play gamers, Max Verstappen is the favorite to top the podium in Montreal, with Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri close behind. Jolyon Palmer, former Renault F1 driver, shared his insights on the track, highlighting the importance of a good front-end to navigate the chicanes and slow-speed corners.
Driving Pointers and Strategy
Palmer emphasized the challenges of Turns 1 and 2, where drivers must approach Turn 1 quickly and then shift speed to the left. He also pointed out that tyre warm-up can be tricky, especially on colder days. The DHL Fastest Lap Award will be up for grabs, with Max Verstappen holding the record for the last two years.
Last Five Canadian GP Winners
- 2023: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- 2022: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- 2019: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
- 2018: Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
- 2017: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
Pirelli’s Preview and Tyre Strategy
Pirelli’s engineers will conduct their first measurement tests on Wednesday to assess the track’s resurfacing and new kerbs. The tyre manufacturer expects the track to remain low-abrasive, with graining potentially occurring on Friday, especially with the softer compounds. Last year’s race saw a mix of strategies, with some drivers opting for a two-stop approach while others went for a single stop.
Other Happenings Around the Circuit
STEM students from four universities will showcase their Formula 1-style car designs at the Grand Prix on Thursday, with the opportunity to meet drivers and discuss their projects with F1 engineers. The event will also feature community initiatives, such as a charity focused on reducing food insecurity and a program promoting eco-friendly transportation.
Stay tuned for an exciting weekend of Formula 1 action in Montreal! Don’t forget to follow our Formula 1 schedule and keep up with the latest standings and news.
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