The Canadian Grand Prix has become a cornerstone of Formula One, with a storied legacy that goes as far back as 1967. Over the decades, this iconic race has witnessed unforgettable moments that have shaped the sport and mesmerised fans across the globe. Let’s look back at five of the most memorable highlights from the Canadian Grand Prix’s illustrious past.
5. Gilles Villeneuve’s First F1 Win (1978)
Gilles Villeneuve, a beloved Canadian racing icon, clinched his maiden Formula One victory at the 1978 Canadian Grand Prix. Driving for Ferrari, Villeneuve delivered a stunning performance on home turf.
Villeneuve displayed incredible determination and skill to overcome challenging weather conditions and a broken gear linkage, securing a hard-fought victory at the 1978 Canadian Grand Prix. This triumph marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would cement Villeneuve’s status as a Formula One legend. His exceptional talent and unwavering spirit earned him the honour of having the circuit renamed in his memory.
The Aviator’s iconic victory at the 1978 Canadian Grand Prix played a significant role in increasing the popularity of Formula One betting in Canada. It ignited a wave of national pride among Canadian sports fans. This sense of patriotism led to increased interest in F1, as Canadian fans were eager to support their homegrown hero and follow his career.
The popularity of the sport made F1 one of the most popular sports betting markets in Canada once the C-218 bill was passed in Canada in 2021. Now, betting sites in Canada offer a wide range of markets and options for F1 betting.
4. Mansell’s Moment of Madness (1991)
In a shocking twist at the 1991 Canadian Grand Prix, Nigel Mansell, the British driving sensation, prematurely celebrated his victory. Leading the race for Williams-Renault, Mansell made a costly mistake on the final lap, leaving fans stunned. He started waving to the crowd believing he had completed the race, but he was yet to cross the finish line.
Nelson Piquet pounced on Mansell’s mistake, overtaking him with lightning speed on the final lap. The Brazilian’s quick thinking and precise execution turned the tables in his favour.
Mansell might still wonder how he jumped the gun that day, but the incident stands as a valuable lesson for F1 drivers to this day. A sudden lapse in concentration could have dire consequences.
3. Schumacher Hits the Wall of Champions (1999)
The infamous ‘Wall of Champions’ chicane at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has claimed its fair share of victims, including three former World Champions: Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve, and Michael Schumacher. The 1999 Canadian Grand Prix was a particularly dramatic example, as this treacherous corner caused multiple drivers to crash.
Just when it seemed like Schumacher had the race in the bag, a fateful mistake at the final chicane sent him crashing into the wall, forcing his retirement. This incident served as a stark reminder that even the most skilled drivers can fall victim to the unforgiving nature of Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
2. Hamilton’s Infamous Crash (2008)
A dramatic collision marred the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix when Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren rear-ended Kimi Räikkönen’s Ferrari during a safety car period. The impact caused significant damage to both cars, adding to the tense atmosphere.
The collision caused a chaotic scene in the pit lane as mechanics scrambled to separate the entangled cars. While Hamilton and Räikkönen were eventually freed, the damage to Hamilton’s McLaren dashed his hopes of victory, forcing him to withdraw from the race.
“It is a lot different if you crash into the wall and are angry, it is not like that,” Hamilton said after the incident. “I apologise to Kimi if I cost him the race, but these things happen.”
To add salt to the wound, Hamilton was penalised 10 places on the grid for the following French Grand Prix by the FIA, the governing body of Formula One.
1. The Jenson Button Miracle (2011)
The 2011 Canadian Grand Prix stands out as one of the most thrilling and unpredictable races in Formula One history. The relentless rain and frequent safety car periods created a chaotic and challenging environment, testing the drivers’ skills and endurance to the limit. In a remarkable display of talent and determination, Jenson Button, starting from the back of the grid for McLaren, defied the odds and claimed the top spot.
Button’s journey to victory was nothing short of heroic. He battled through a frenetic race, surviving collisions and incidents, and delivered a stunning late-race charge to overtake Sebastian Vettel on the final lap.
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