Racing Through Time: The Thrilling History of the Canadian Grand Prix

The Canadian Grand Prix is upon us again, so naturally, an informational must come with it. The track hosted its first race back in 1978, but it has been a part of the Formula 1 world for much longer. This track contains 70 laps, and the circuit length is 4.361 km, with a race distance of 305.270 km. The race features two Drag Reduction System areas, three sectors, and one speed trap, making it an intriguing spectacle for viewers. This iconic place was renamed from Île Notre-Dame Circuit to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in honor of the Canadian Formula 1 driver, Gilles Villeneuve, after he died in 1982. It became a tribute to the late driver in both name and incredible achievement.

Some of the highlights of the track include some fantastic McLaren wins, as they have won this Grand Prix 13 times. Ferrari has also earned 12 wins in Canada. In 2011, there was a major rainstorm, turning that race into the longest Formula 1 race, lasting four hours and four minutes, and 39.537 seconds. The safety car was deployed six times, breaking another record. Who knows what’s in store for this year's race with all the excitement the 2025 season has brought so far?

While the history of the name and the dynamics of the track are a vital part of the Formula 1 world, let’s get into the drivers who have conquered this iconic track. In the last 10 years, Lewis Hamilton has won the race in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019, as well as many times before the 10-year mark. If that’s not one of the most impressive things, then what is? Also in 2019, Valtteri Bottas set a lap record of 1:13.078 driving for Mercedes-AMG as Hamilton’s partner. That year he finished second in the World Drivers' Championship, winning four Grand Prix. Hamilton did win the Canadian race in 2019, finishing in 1:29:07.084. In 2018, Sebastian Vettel won this race, breaking Hamilton’s impressive streak of wins in Canada. Max Verstappen holds his own record, earning first position from 2021 to 2024.