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2022 Canadian GP: Everything you need to know about Circuit Gilles Villeneuve ahead of the Canadian GP

Somin Bhattacharjee
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2022 Canadian GP: Everything you need to know about Circuit Gilles Villeneuve ahead of the Canadian GP

2022 Canadian GP: Formula 1 returns to Canada for the first time since 2019 as teams travel to Montreal for the ninth round of F1.

Teams and drivers are travelling to Canada for the first time since 2019. The 2020 and 2021 Canadian GP got cancelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic, but fans in Montreal can finally see F1 action at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve this weekend.

The Canadian GP was first held at this circuit in 1978 has been a mainstay in the F1 calendar since. Earlier the race was held in mid-September but was shifted to it’s current location of June, so as to provide the teams with warmer weather.

The last time F1 was in Quebec, it was Hamilton who won the race. Vettel started the race from pole, and was driving well before he spun out on lap 48. He was handed a five second time penalty for entering the track in an unsafe matter. As a result, he ended up losing P1 to Hamilton.

It was followed by one of the most iconic moments in recent F1 history. Vettel got to Parc Ferme early, got out of his car and placed the ‘Number 1’ sign in front of his car, even though he came second.

Also read: “I apologized to Kimi Raikkonen for ruining his race” – When Lewis Hamilton crashed into Ferrari’s World Champion in the pitlane during the Canadian GP

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve length and number of laps:

Montreal’s circuit was named after Gilles Villeneuve, who was a hometown hero and won six races with Ferrari. The iconic circuit has gone through quite a few changes in layout over the years.

The current layout has been constant for since 2002, and has avoided changes since then. In 2018, the paddock was torn down, and a new one was built ahead of the 2019 race. This current layout is 2.710 miles (4.361 km) long and features 14 turns.

The best passing opportunity comes at turns 12 and 13. The circuit’s turn 14 has been named the ‘Wall of Champions’. This is because three former World Champions made contact with the wall on the outside during the 1999 Canadian GP.

Also read: “Nico Rosberg was once coaching me in a training session”- Novak Djokovic meets former Mercedes driver at Laureus Sports Awards

Canadian GP lap records:

There have been five different layouts used for F1 races at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Lap time records for all these track layouts have been set by different drivers over the years.

Name of DriverLap TimeF1 CarRace
GP Layout (1978-1986)Nelson Piquet01:25.4Williams FW111986 Canadian GP
GP Layout (1988-1993)Michael Schumacher01:21.5Benetton B1931993 Canadian GP
GP Layout (1994-1995)Michael Schumacher01:28.9Benetton B1941994 Canadian GP
GP Layout (1996-2001)Ralf Schumacher01:17.2Williams FW232001 Canadian GP
GP Layout (2002- present)Valtteri Bottas01:13.1Mercedes W102019 Canadian GP

The current record is held by former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas. He set up a time of 1:13.078 at the 2019 Canadian GP while driving the Silver Arrows’ W10.

Canadian Grand Prix past winners:

Some of the greatest F1 drivers of all time have won the Canadian GP. However, seven-time World Champions Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton stand out. The two legendary figures have seven wins in Montreal to their name.

The winners of the last five editions of the Canadian GP are as follows:

2019- Lewis Hamilton
2018-
Sebastian Vettel
2017-
Lewis Hamilton
2016-
Lewis Hamilton
2015-
Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton has won four out of the last five races in Montreal. However, considering the fact that Mercedes are lacking behind in pace to Red Bull and Ferrari, another wins seems unlikely for the 37-year old.

Leclerc and Ferrari meanwhile will be looking to bounce back this weekend after the Maranello based team suffered a double DNF at last weekend’s Azerbaijan GP.

Also read “I was running away from Michael Schumacher” – Sebastian Vettel reveals how he had dodged seven-time world champion

About the author

Somin Bhattacharjee

Somin Bhattacharjee

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Formula 1 Editor Somin Bhattacharjee fell for the sport as well as Fernando Alonso on the same day — during the Spaniard’s thrilling victory at the German GP in 2010. Over the years, the passion magnified manyfold, and metamorphosed into a writing career in 2021. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. He has penned over 2,700 articles for TheSportsRush, presenting a diverse range — news reports, opinions, and exclusives. A true Tiffosi, Somin never gives up on a chance to defend the Ferrari boys as a fan. As a sports writer though, he remains objective to the core and relishes opportunities to follow and engage in dissecting the action during races. That’s where the real thrill lies for him. Beyond the racetrack, Somin plays different sports including soccer. He enjoys exploring other sporting events and proudly supports Spanish soccer club Real Madrid.

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