Formula 1 has been growing in popularity in North America recently. Concerted efforts by the sport’s new owners, such as embracing social media, hosting more Grands Prix on the continent, and the commissioning of the Drive to Survive Netflix show have all helped to attract new and younger viewers to F1.
While the vast majority of these new fans will watch races from the comfort of their own homes, either on TV or an internet-connected device like their smartphone or tablet, some will go to watch in person.
Formula 1 is a sport that can be experienced by all of the senses, but you only get to use two when you watch it on TV. Being at the side of the track, however, opens up new realms to your senses. Not only do you see the wheeled rocket ships fly past you and hear the screams of their engines as they do it, but your nose is also treated to the smell of burning rubber and fuel and you get to feel the verberations of the cars in your chest.
Of course, you can attend any Grand Prix on the calendar and, in 2023, this means you have 24 separate opportunities to see the world’s best drivers compete in the ultimate motorsport category.
But while this may be true, there are some circuits that are considered to be must-attend venues for F1 fans. These include Monaco, thanks to its unique setting and prestige; Great Britain for its high speeds and thrilling racing; and Austin for its unique atmosphere.
Canada often gets missed off this list, despite offering one of the best F1 fan experiences going. So if you’ve yet to attend a race in Montreal, here’s what you’re missing out on.
Exciting Racing
Not all Formula 1 race tracks can deliver high-octane excitement year after year, but Canada’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve most certainly can. Naturally, most fans will recall the crazy 2011 race that was interrupted by wet weather and saw nail-biting action from start to finish, but Montreal has been serving up Grand Prix classics for years.
The high-speed straights and slow hairpins help to promote overtaking, while the concrete barriers that line the circuit punish mistakes mercilessly. This also increases the likelihood of a safety car being called during the race to well above average which leads to thrilling restarts.
This propensity for causing safety cars helps to make sports betting on the Canadian Grand Prix an exciting prospect as special markets like the appearance of a safety car become more attractive.
Opportunities to Explore Montreal
The Canadian Grand Prix takes place on an artificial island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River, meaning it is mostly isolated from the goings-on in Montreal. But just because the F1 circus doesn’t touch the city, doesn’t mean you can’t go and explore.
For visitors, there are many hostels in Montreal that provide fantastic opportunities to combine the backpacking experience with the F1 fan experience. Some good options include the Alexandrie-Montreal, the Auberge L’Apero, and the Le Gite du Parc Lafontaine, though there are also many more.
Buzzing Atmosphere
The Canadian Grand Prix is renowned for having one of the best fan experiences on the calendar. This isn’t achieved with gimmicks like concerts that are merely bolt-ons to the F1 weekend, the Montreal race delivers this thrilling experience by combining a party atmosphere with legendary Canadian hospitality.
The layout of the circuit means fans are mostly packed into small areas around the first corner and the hairpin. This means spectators in these grandstands get to cheer and jeer together as they react to what’s happening on track.
For three days a year, this small stretch of land in the middle of Montreal’s river becomes a small community of like-minded petrolheads who chat, cheer, and chant together.
With a great atmosphere, exciting racing, and the opportunity to explore one of the best cities on the planet, Montreal really does offer the ultimate Formula 1 experience.
