Formula 1 returns to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve this weekend for the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen goes into the race with an advantage over team-mate Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton in the drivers’ championship standings.
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The track
The Canadian Grand Prix has been on the Formula 1 calendar for more than half of the series’ illustrious history. It’s a track that is woven into the fabric of F1 and has produced many iconic moments – from Daniel Ricciardo’s debut win to the 2011 race where Jenson Button overtook all his rivals on their way to victory.
Located in Montreal, Canada, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is one of the most challenging and rewarding circuits on the calendar. The over 4 km long circuit alternates between false straightaways and long curves, putting the drivers’ cars through their paces on every corner. The tight corners and high levels of braking make for a race that requires both bravery and precision from the drivers.
Last year, Max Verstappen took the win in the Canadian Grand Prix with a commanding performance that left the rest of the field scrambling. The Red Bull Racing star held off a spirited challenge from his closest title rival, Fernando Alonso, in second place, with Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc in third and fourth.
During the 2023 season, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve underwent several modifications in order to improve safety and increase overtaking opportunities. The pit lane entry has been reduced in width, the run-off area at Turn 3 was extended, and the concrete walls at Turns 5 and 9 were replaced with newer barriers. In addition, the DRS zones will be active at this event, similar to last year.
Qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix takes place on Saturday afternoon and determines the grid for Sunday’s race. Each driver is given three free practice sessions prior to qualifying in which they can test the limits of their car. The top ten fastest drivers will qualify for the final session, and the pole position is awarded to the driver with the fastest lap.
The media is invited to attend the drivers’ press conferences on Friday morning and in the afternoon. It’s an opportunity for the world’s press to ask the drivers questions and get their thoughts on the weekend ahead.
The atmosphere
As the 2023 Formula 1 season continues at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, fans will be eagerly awaiting Sunday’s race. But the action doesn’t stop there – a host of thrilling support races are also set to take place throughout the weekend.
The Canadian Grand Prix is often host to edge-of-your-seat thrills and spills as drivers battle it out in the most unpredictable conditions. The track’s narrowness and unforgiving barriers demand the utmost concentration, resulting in some incredible races and moments. The excitement doesn’t end once the racing is over, either, with vibrant and lively Montreal really embracing F1 and coming alive for the race weekend.
Round 9 of the 2023 season sees Max Verstappen and Red Bull entering the event as firm favourites to win, with teammate Sergio Perez in a close second. But they’ll face a strong challenge from the likes of resurgent Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at Mercedes, plus Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll in their resurgent McLarens.
Whether or not that will be enough to unseat the Dutchman remains to be seen, but the balance of power in Montreal could become clear during today’s third practice session and qualifying sessions.
As for the main event, Verstappen has a massive advantage in the early F1 Play polls, with around 75% of gamers seeing him winning Sunday’s race. He’s followed by Perez, but Hamilton isn’t far behind and has a chance to put himself in the hunt for a fourth podium finish this year.
The 4.361-kilometre race will be the ninth of the season and it’s sure to provide another great spectacle as the cars push it to the limit over 70 laps of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Most general admission seats are sold out, but VIP packages remain available and make for a great option to watch the action from.
There are several great viewing options at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, ranging from the hairpin to the Virage Senna (Turns 1-2). The hairpin is a great choice as it’s one of the tightest corners on the circuit and provides an excellent view of the action.
The cars
After an enforced two-year absence due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Canadian Grand Prix made a comeback last year and it’s become one of F1’s most loved races. The race is always a sell-out and Montreal has been ready to embrace the event’s return with a range of on- and off-track events for fans.
The 2023 edition takes place this weekend and the Red Bull of Max Verstappen is favourite to win. He has won the past three races at this circuit and will be looking to add another to his tally. However, he will have to contend with the likes of Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
The first practice session was held in dry conditions but rain started to fall during Q2. That was when a number of cars were eliminated, with Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll making contact during their laps and both receiving grid penalties. Charles Leclerc, Kevin Magnussen and Valtteri Bottas also went out of Q2. Alexander Albon set the fastest time in Q2 but he was demoted to P11 after being handed a three-place penalty. Yuki Tsunoda crashed and prompted a red flag to allow drivers to pit for fresher tyres. That allowed Sainz, Piastri and Norris to jump up the order, but Sainz was given a five-place penalty for impeding on Gasly.
F1 fans can get up close with the teams and their vehicles by taking part in the pit lane walk on Thursday afternoon. This allows them to see the impressive machinery up close, and also witness FIA Safety and Medical Cars complete high-speed laps of the circuit.
There will be a range of support series running over the weekend, including Ferrari Challenge and Formula 1600. F1 fans can also take a ride on the famous Ferris wheel, which gives them spectacular views of the circuit and city. And if you want to try your hand at driving a Formula 1 car, head over to the Espace Grand Prix, located in front of the Sephora store at Centre Eaton de Montreal, and take part in simulators where you can compete against friends and colleagues.
The drivers
The 2023 grid looks like a fairly settled one, with several of the drivers having locked down their contracts. Mercedes have Lewis Hamilton and George Russell tied down for another season, while Valtteri Bottas has moved to Alfa Romeo on a long-term deal. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen will be with Red Bull for another two years, partnering Sergio Perez.
McLaren may have been a cause for concern this summer following Daniel Ricciardo’s mixed form, but the team has now confirmed Lando Norris as their sole driver for 2023, with rookie Oscar Piastri joining him on a multi-year contract. The pairing is the youngest in F1 and they are likely to provide plenty of fireworks on track.
Ferrari will have Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz together next year, with the Italian outfit looking to make a concerted effort to close the gap on Mercedes and Red Bull. Outside the ‘big three’, Williams will have Latifi and Albon in place, while Alfa Romeo has retained Zhou Guanyu on a multi-year deal.
Haas have added a familiar face to their roster by signing Nico Hulkenberg to a full-time drive alongside Kevin Magnussen. The Dane’s previous experience at the team should prove invaluable in helping them improve on their eighth-place finish from this season.
Elsewhere, Honda have kept Takuma Sato for another season with the Japanese driver netting his first podium this weekend in Barcelona. It’s the first time the 25-year-old has finished in the top three of an F1 race, while he also secured his second pole position of the campaign in Spain.
