After a triple header in Europe, it’s time for a small break on the other side of the world in Canada. Can McLaren continue dominating the grid or will an outsider claim the top spot?
The Canadian Grand Prix is the tenth round of the season, the second in North America after Miami. It is a popular track with drivers and teams. There’s always a real buzz around the event thanks to the enthusiasm of the local fans. For the whole week, the city in the Province of Quebec comes alive with events linked to the Grand Prix. This year’s event will be the 54th Canadian Grand Prix, with the first one dating back to 1967.
F1 Academy also makes its return for not two but three races, after Race 2 was cancelled in Miami. With only one point separating Maya Weug and Doriane Pin, Canada could see a new championship leader by the end of it.
A historic track
The Gilles Villeneuve Circuit is a semi-permanent facility built on the manmade island of Notre Dame. It was home to the Expo ’67 World’s Fair and some events in the 1976 Olympic Games. The track was completely resurfaced last year, but it has retained its low abrasiveness and reduced grip that has always been one of its characteristic features. 4.361 kilometres long, it features a sequence of straights and tight chicanes, with fourteen corners.
It’s a real stop ‘n go track where stability under braking and efficient traction are vital. Overtaking is possible, partly down to the three DRS zones. The best bet has always been the braking point at the end of the straight. The following chicane, where drivers can still use DRS from the previous activation zone, has often seen some spectacular accidents, which has led to it being known as the “wall of champions” after no fewer than three world champions, Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve all crashed into it during the 1999 race. Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton top the tables for the most wins with seven. With no surprise, the most successful team is no other than McLaren with thirteen podium finishes.
Fun fact, it holds the record of the longest Grand Prix ever in terms of time. In 2011, the edition lasted a total of 4 hours, 4 minutes and 39.537 seconds.
C6 tyres are here to stay
For the third time this season, the softest trio of compounds will feature on track. That means that the C6 will be in use, alongside the C5 as Medium and the C4 as Hard. The selection is therefore one step softer than last year. This weekend, when using the new C6, teams and drivers will be able to make the most of the information and data gathered at its two previous appearances. The track surface is not very abrasive as it is never used for racing apart from the Grand Prix weekend.
Graining, especially during free practice on Friday, could make an appearance, but as the track gradually rubbers-in it shouldn’t be a factor. Lap times come down really quickly, not just from one day to the next, but also during each session. On top of that, the unpredictable and changeable weather is a factor to consider. It’s a wildcard that’s been known to disrupt the on-track action here, while fluctuating temperatures are a feature.
Always more merch
Once again for the Canadian Grand Prix, the top three finishers will wear a special edition of the Pirelli Podium Cap designed by Denis Dekovic when they step up for their trophies. Brown in colour, this is seventh version of the Podium Cap.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team also officially launched both George Russell’s and Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s 2025 cap. Nothing new with the colors as they’re staying with blue and black caps. You can now order them on their website.