Teams and drivers are gearing up for the 2023 Canadian GP in Montreal. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is steeped in history and is often considered to be one of the most iconic tracks in the calendar. Even though the Canadian Grand Prix first took place in 1967, this particular circuit first hosted an F1 race, 11 years later in 1978.
The track was formerly known as the Île Notre-Dame Circuit. They changed their name to honor Gilles Villeneuve, who was an adored national figure, and tragically passed away during the 1982 Belgian GP qualifying session.
The circuit is situated on an artificial island known as Notre Dame Island, on the St. Lawrence River. While the layout of the circuit hasn’t changed drastically throughout the years, we have seen some minor alterations. Some of the most memorable races in F1 history have taken place at this track, and fans are hoping for something similar this coming weekend.
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve lap record, distance, and number of laps
The current Grand Prix layout at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has been in use since 2002. Some of the most decorated F1 drivers of all time such as Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, and Lewis Hamilton have driven in this particular layout. Overall, it is a high-speed track, with several chicanes, some of which have a glittering history associated with them.
It is 2.701 miles long, and the record for the fastest lap around this circuit lies with former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas. The Finn managed to put in a time of 1.13:078 back in 2019 when he was driving the Mercedes W10.
Keeping the average amount of time it takes to complete one racing lap in mind, the 2023 Canadian GP will treat fans to 70 laps of action.
Ayrton Senna’s ‘S’ turns and the Wall of Champions
Two of the most iconic parts of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve are the Senna ‘S’ turns, and the infamous Wall of Champions. The former is something drivers have to deal with at the start of the race itself. Turns 1 and 2, when seen from above, resemble the ‘S’ shape, hence giving it its name.
The Wall of Champions on the other hand, come after drivers approach turn 14. Turns 12 and 13 give the drivers some great overtaking opportunities, but the 14th one can take it all away. The wall on the exit of turn 14 got its name, after three world champions crashed into it at the 1999 Canadian GP. F1’s official YouTube channel explained this in a video.
Ironically, the wall where all the champions crashed had an advertising banner attached to it, which read, “Welcome to Quebec”.
Past winners of the Canadian GP
Some of the best drivers in F1 history have won the Canadian Gp in the past. It has also provided fans with some exciting and sometimes controversial moments. For example, at the 2019 Canadian GP, Sebastian Vettel received a time penalty which he felt was unfair on him. This demoted him to second place, behind arch-rival Lewis Hamilton.
Vettel, however, decided to take matters into this own hands. After the race, he walked over to Hamilton’s car, and replaced his 1st place signboard with the one he got for finishing behind him. This moment is considered to be iconic, and fans revisit this particular memory every single year before the race takes place in Montreal.
The winners of the last five Canadian GP races are as follows:
2016- Lewis Hamilton
2017- Lewis Hamilton
2018- Sebastian Vettel
2019- Lewis Hamilton
2022- Max Verstappen
What to expect from this year’s Canadian GP?
Max Verstappen enters the 2023 Canadian GP as the heavy favorite to win the outing. The Dutchman has won five out the seven F1 races so far this season. Considering his form and the RB19’s dominance, it seems unlikely that any other team/driver can step up to the challenge.
The battle for the second place, however, could prove to be interesting. Aston Martin is just 18 points behind Mercedes, and with upgrades set to come in for the former, things could heat up in Montreal.
Ferrari, meanwhile, are looking to work on their race-pace, as they hope to close the gap to the three teams ahead of them in the constructors’ championship standings.
