The Canadian Grand Prix first joined the Formula 1 World Championship in 1967, part of F1’s growing North American presence. It rotated between a few circuits in its early years:

• Mosport Park (Ontario)

• Mont-Tremblant (Quebec)

Both tracks were fast but rough, with safety limitations by modern standards. By the late 1970s, a permanent venue was needed — and it came in the form of a man-made island in Montreal.  Since 1978, the race has been held on Circuit Île Notre-Dame, later renamed Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in honor of Canada’s racing hero, Gilles Villeneuve, who won the inaugural Montreal race.

Iconic Moments

• 1991: Nelson Piquet’s last win in F1

• 2007: Lewis Hamilton won his first F1 race — the beginning of a legendary career

• 2011: Jenson Button’s miraculous comeback victory in the longest F1 race ever (over 4 hours, 6 pit stops, and a last-lap pass on Vettel).