Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

Track Info

Location	Ile Notre-Dame, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Type	Semi-Permanent Street Circuit
Length	4.361 km (2.710 miles)
Turns	14
Capacity	~100,000
Opened	1978

Track Characteristics

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is built on the man-made Ile Notre-Dame in the St. Lawrence River, originally constructed for Expo 67. Named after the legendary Canadian driver Gilles Villeneuve, the circuit uses public roads and features a unique character defined by its concrete walls, long straights, and heavy braking zones. The combination makes it one of the toughest tracks on brakes anywhere in F1.

The infamous "Wall of Champions" at the exit of the final chicane has claimed countless victims over the years, including world champions Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher, and Jacques Villeneuve in a single race weekend in 1999. The track's low-grip surface and proximity of barriers mean that mistakes are punished instantly and severely.

Montreal consistently delivers exciting races. The long straights and hard braking zones create multiple overtaking opportunities, while the challenging surface and changeable weather add unpredictability. The circuit's island setting, surrounded by water and parkland, creates a festival atmosphere unique in F1.

Getting There

Nearest Airport	Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), about 20 km west of the circuit.
Nearest City	Montreal (the circuit is on an island in the St. Lawrence River, accessible by metro from downtown)

2026 Event Info

Race Name	Canadian Grand Prix
Round	5 of 22
Sprint Weekend	Yes
TV	Apple TV

Track Record

Lap Record	1:13.078
Record Holder	Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes, 2019)

Notable Past Races

• 2019: Sebastian Vettel crossed the line first but was penalized 5 seconds for an unsafe rejoin after running off track, handing victory to Lewis Hamilton. The controversy sparked widespread debate about F1 stewarding.
• 2011: Jenson Button won the longest race in F1 history (over 4 hours) after recovering from last place following a drive-through penalty and multiple incidents in torrential rain. Widely considered one of the greatest drives ever.
• 1999: The "Wall of Champions" earned its name after Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher, and Jacques Villeneuve - all world champions - crashed at the final chicane exit during the same weekend.
• 1995: Jean Alesi won his only Grand Prix in a Ferrari on his 31st birthday, one of the most popular and emotional victories in the sport's history.
• 1978: Gilles Villeneuve won the first Grand Prix held at this circuit, delighting his home crowd and cementing the venue's place in F1 lore. The track was renamed in his honor after his death in 1982.

Track Facts

• The circuit is named after Gilles Villeneuve, the legendary Canadian driver who won the first GP here in 1978 and died tragically at Zolder in 1982.
• Ile Notre-Dame was an artificial island created for Expo 67, the 1967 World's Fair held in Montreal.
• The "Wall of Champions" at the final chicane exit has ended the races of numerous world champions over the years.
• Montreal is one of the hardest circuits on brakes in F1, with heavy braking zones accounting for a significant portion of the lap.
• The Canadian GP is accessible by Montreal's metro system, making it one of the easiest F1 races to attend by public transport.

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