What makes the Canadian Grand Prix special – and why you should see it

The Canadian Grand Prix has been a staple on the Formula 1 calendar since its introduction in 1967, moving to its current Montreal home in 1978. With dramatic races and unpredictable weather, it's a circuit loved and respected by drivers and fans.

After searching for a permanent home during its first decade, the Grand Prix moved to the Circuit Ile Notre-Dame in Montreal where, perhaps fittingly, Canadian Gilles Villeneuve claimed his maiden F1 win at the track that would end up bearing his name.

Let's take a look at just some of the reasons Montreal is so marvellous.

The ‘Wall of Champions’

You can’t talk about the Canadian circuit without mentioning the 'Wall of Champions'. Sitting on the outside of the final chicane, this otherwise regular wall earned its nickname in 1999 after three World Champions – Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve – all crashed there in a single race weekend.

The wall is now one of the calendar’s most unforgiving landmarks. With practically no room on exit, bumpy kerbs and drivers pushing hard at the end of a lap, it only takes the slightest error for it to be game over.

Beyond the infamous incidents of 1999, other drivers have fallen foul of it too. In 2011, reigning champion Sebastian Vettel hit the wall during practice, while Jenson Button crashed there in 2005.

When is the 2027 Canadian Grand Prix?

Details of the 2027 Formula 1 calendar will be announced in due course.

What happened at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix?

Kimi Antonelli made it four wins in a row to extend his Championship lead after his Mercedes team mate George Russell was forced to retire. Lewis Hamilton scored P2 for Ferrari ahead of Max Verstappen, who claimed his first podium of the season. Check out the RACE HUB to catch up on news, reports and highlights from every session.

Why we love the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

Set on the man-made Notre Dame Island and surrounded by the St. Lawrence River, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve feels unlike anywhere else on the F1 calendar. It’s a semi-permanent track built around park roads, blending long, flat-out straights with heavy braking zones and tight chicanes for a true challenge.

From the sweeping Virage Senna at Turn 1 to the hairpin at L’Epingle and the blast past the Casino, it’s a circuit that rewards bravery and punishes hesitation.

Then there’s the weather. Whilst spring in Montreal can be glorious, it’s just as capable of delivering sudden showers. Rain has played a starring role more than once, turning strategy on its head and challenging the drivers even more.

Wildlife sometimes joins the show too. Groundhogs native to the island have been known to wander on to the track during race weekend!

The weekend schedule is full of action and there's plenty to look forward to every day, with F1 Free Practice, Qualifying and the Grand Prix – and the Sprint sessions – all supported by other categories. That means even more opportunities to see cars on track.

There’s fantastic live entertainment as performers and music stars continue the party.

During the day there's the stacked F1 Fanzone too, with activities, entertainment, and the chance to see F1 drivers and team representatives live on stage.

Visiting fans have plenty more to check out over the weekend too, with events and activations taking place in the city over race week.

Memorable moments in Montreal

Montreal has served up some unforgettable moments since first hosting an F1 weekend in 1978.

Here’s a selection to whet your appetite for more…

1995 – Jean Alesi flew through the field from P5 to claim an emotional victory in the number 27 Ferrari, a number famously associated with Gilles Villeneuve. It was the only F1 win of Alesi's career.

1999 – Four drivers crashed out at the final corner of the lap – including three World Champions. Ricardo Zonta, Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve all saw their race end prematurely there, and thus the ‘Wall of Champions’ was named.

2007 – In a race filled with drama as 10 drivers failed to finish – including a big crash for Robert Kubica – it was rookie Hamilton who prevailed to claim his first Grand Prix win.

2008 – Just a year on from his Montreal crash, a chaotic race saw an emotional triumph for Kubica as the Polish racer took the win in a BMW Sauber 1-2.

2011 – Jenson Button won a rain-soaked race that stretched over four hours – the longest in F1 history. He surged from last to first in treacherous conditions, sealing victory with an epic last-lap pass on Sebastian Vettel.

2019 – Hamilton and Vettel battled hard for victory, but the German’s detour into the grass earned him a five-second penalty for rejoining the track unsafely, enabling the Briton to win and leaving Vettel fuming in Parc Ferme.

2025 – Russell took Mercedes’ first win of the season from pole, holding on to take the flag behind the Safety Car after Lando Norris ran into the back of team mate Oscar Piastri.

2026 – Antonelli and Mercedes team mate Russell fought a epic duel, lap after lap, until the Briton was forced to retire from the lead. Meanwhile, Hamilton passed Max Verstappen late on to take second for Ferrari – his best Grand Prix result since joining the Scuderia.

How can I watch the Canadian Grand Prix?

Nothing beats being there! Head to F1 Tickets to secure your place and catch all the action in person. F1 Experiences has a great range of premium ticket packages too, getting you closer to Formula 1 than ever before.

For details of the broadcaster in your area, click here.

You can also watch the drama unfold via F1 TV Pro (in selected countries only).