The Canadian Grand Prix, an annual motor race, debuted in 1961 and became part of the Formula One World Championship in 1967. Initially a sports car event at Mosport Park, it later alternated between Mosport and Circuit Mont-Tremblant. Safety concerns led to a permanent move to Mosport in 1971, and then to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal in 1978, its current home.
1961: Birth of the Canadian Grand Prix and Championship
The first Canadian Grand Prix in 1961 marked the start of the Canadian Sports Car Championship at Mosport Park, attracting international sports car and Formula One drivers.
1961: First Canadian Grand Prix
The inaugural Canadian Grand Prix, a sports car event, took place at Mosport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario in 1961.
1966: Can-Am Takes the Reins
The Canadian-American Challenge Cup (Can-Am) hosted the Canadian Grand Prix, with American Mark Donohue emerging victorious.
1967: Mosport Park Hosts First Championship Race
Mosport Park was chosen as the venue for the first Canadian Grand Prix as part of the Formula One World Championship. Jack Brabham won the race, securing a 1-2 finish for Brabham.
1967: Formula One Takes Over
The Canadian Grand Prix became part of the Formula One World Championship in 1967.
1968: Proposed Move to Toronto Street Circuit
A proposal spearheaded by John Bassett and Imperial Tobacco emerged to relocate the Grand Prix and the Telegram Trophy IndyCar race to a new street circuit in Toronto. However, the idea was later abandoned.
1968: McLaren Triumphs After Amon's Misfortune
Chris Amon dominated the race at Circuit Mont-Tremblant until a gearbox failure 17 laps from the finish. This allowed his McLaren teammates, Denny Hulme and Bruce McLaren to take a 1-2 finish.
1968: Initial Proposal for Toronto Grand Prix
In 1968, a proposal was put forth to host a Formula One race in Toronto's Exhibition Place. However, the proposal did not materialize at the time.
1968: Grand Prix at Circuit Mont-Tremblant
The Canadian Grand Prix was held at Circuit Mont-Tremblant in Quebec, with Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme securing a 1-2 finish for McLaren.
1969: Ickx Wins After Collision with Stewart
At the 1969 Canadian Grand Prix, Jackie Stewart and Jacky Ickx collided, forcing Stewart to retire. Ickx went on to win the race. Al Pease was disqualified for being too slow, the only F1 driver to suffer that fate.
1970: Ferrari's Final Victory at Mont-Tremblant
Jacky Ickx claimed victory at the 1970 Canadian Grand Prix, securing a Ferrari 1-2 finish with teammate Clay Regazzoni. This marked the last Formula One race held at Circuit Mont-Tremblant due to safety concerns and disputes with local racing authorities.
1970: Ferrari Dominates at Mont-Tremblant
The Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Mont-Tremblant saw Jacky Ickx and Clay Regazzoni secure a 1-2 finish for Ferrari.
1971: Permanent Move to Mosport
Due to safety concerns, the Canadian Grand Prix permanently moved to Mosport Park in 1971.
1971: Stewart Conquers the Rain at Mosport
Jackie Stewart dominated the rain-soaked 1971 Canadian Grand Prix at Mosport Park, securing victory ahead of Ronnie Peterson. The race was delayed due to a fatal accident during a Formula Ford support race.
1971: Mosport Park Becomes Sole Host
The Canadian Grand Prix was solely held at Mosport Park from 1971 onwards due to concerns over the suitability of Circuit Mont-Tremblant.
1972: Stewart's Second Consecutive Win
Jackie Stewart won his second consecutive Canadian Grand Prix at Mosport Park, a track that had undergone safety improvements.
1972: Safety Concerns Halt Alternation
The alternating of the Canadian Grand Prix between Mosport and Mont-Tremblant ended due to safety concerns regarding the latter, particularly the impact of harsh winters on the track surface.
1973: Revson Wins Amid Chaos and Confusion
Peter Revson won the chaotic and rain-affected 1973 Canadian Grand Prix. A series of incidents, including a crash and a mismanaged pace car period, led to confusion about the race order, but Revson ultimately emerged victorious.
1974: Fittipaldi Triumphs as Rivals Falter
Emerson Fittipaldi won the 1974 Canadian Grand Prix, capitalizing on the struggles of his championship rivals. Clay Regazzoni finished second, while Jody Scheckter suffered a significant crash due to brake failure.
1975: No Canadian Grand Prix
The Canadian Grand Prix did not take place in 1975.
1976: Hunt Wins Amidst Disqualification Controversy
James Hunt won the 1976 Canadian Grand Prix, but his victory was overshadowed by the news that he had been disqualified from the previous race at Brands Hatch and stripped of his championship points.
1977: Canadian Grand Prix at Mosport Park
The 1977 Canadian Grand Prix was marked by safety concerns at the Mosport Park circuit. Ian Ashley's serious accident and Jochen Mass's crash highlighted the track's inadequacies. This led to discussions about moving the race. Jody Scheckter won the event.
1978: Canadian Grand Prix Moves to Montreal
The Canadian Grand Prix found a new home in 1978 at the Circuit Île Notre Dame in Montreal, built on the site of Expo '67. This marked the beginning of the race's long tenure in the city.
1978: Relocation to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
The Canadian Grand Prix found its current home at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Quebec in 1978 following safety concerns at Mosport.
1979: Circuit Modifications and Jones's Victory
The Circuit Île Notre Dame underwent modifications in 1979 to enhance speed. Alan Jones emerged victorious in the Canadian Grand Prix.
1980: Jones's Championship and Jabouille's Career-Ending Crash
The 1980 Canadian Grand Prix witnessed a major startline crash involving title contenders Alan Jones and Nelson Piquet. Jones went on to win the race and the World Championship. Tragically, Jean-Pierre Jabouille suffered a career-ending crash.
1981: Villeneuve's Skill and Laffite's Final Victory
Gilles Villeneuve displayed remarkable car control in the rain-soaked 1981 Canadian Grand Prix, finishing third despite a damaged car. Jacques Laffite secured his last F1 victory.
1982: Tragedy and Tribute at the Canadian Grand Prix
The 1982 Canadian Grand Prix was overshadowed by the recent death of Gilles Villeneuve. The track was renamed Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in his honor. Tragically, the race also saw a fatal accident involving Riccardo Paletti. Nelson Piquet won the event.
1983: Arnoux's First Ferrari Win
René Arnoux celebrated his first victory as a Ferrari driver at the 1983 Canadian Grand Prix.
1985: Ferrari 1-2 Finish and Lotus's Front Row Lockout
The 1985 Canadian Grand Prix saw Ferrari drivers Michele Alboreto and Stefan Johansson finish first and second, respectively. Lotus achieved their last-ever front-row lockout with Ayrton Senna and Elio de Angelis.
1986: Rosberg's Charge and Mansell's Triumph
Keke Rosberg put on a strong performance in the 1986 Canadian Grand Prix, overtaking Nigel Mansell for the lead. However, Rosberg encountered issues, allowing Mansell to reclaim the victory.
1986: Molson Indy Toronto
Toronto eventually hosted an open-wheel race in 1986 with the Molson Indy Toronto, part of the Indy Car World Series, distinct from the Canadian Grand Prix.
1987: Cancellation and Track Modifications
The 1987 Canadian Grand Prix was canceled due to a sponsorship conflict between Labatt and Molson. During the break, the circuit underwent modifications, including a new starting line position.
1988: Senna's Dominant McLaren Victory
Ayrton Senna dominated the 1988 Canadian Grand Prix, claiming victory in his powerful McLaren MP4/4 with a Honda turbo engine.
1988: Derek Warwick's Spectacular Crash
Before gaining its infamous nickname, the final corner at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve had already claimed its share of victims. In 1988, Derek Warwick, the reigning World Sportscar Champion and a seasoned F1 driver, experienced a dramatic crash at this very corner during qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix, foreshadowing the corner's reputation as a challenging and potentially hazardous part of the track.
1990: Senna Triumphs in the Rain
Ayrton Senna navigated treacherous rainy conditions to win the 1990 Canadian Grand Prix.
1990: Alessandro Nannini's Gopher Encounter
In 1990, driver Alessandro Nannini had an unexpected encounter with a gopher on the track, causing damage to his tire and highlighting the unpredictable nature of racing.
1991: Mansell's Heartbreak and Piquet's Final Victory
The 1991 Canadian Grand Prix saw a dramatic finish as Nigel Mansell's car failed on the last lap while leading. Nelson Piquet capitalized on the misfortune, securing his final F1 victory.
1992: Derek Warwick Wins World Sportscar Championship
Derek Warwick, who would later crash at the Canadian Grand Prix in 1988, won the World Sportscar Championship in 1992.
1992: Berger Wins Amidst Controversy
Gerhard Berger emerged victorious in the 1992 Canadian Grand Prix after a collision between his teammate, Ayrton Senna, and Nigel Mansell, who was leading at the time.
1993: Prost Holds Off Senna
Alain Prost fended off a determined Ayrton Senna to win the 1993 Canadian Grand Prix.
1993: Canadian Grand Prix Gains Importance
By 1993, the Canadian Grand Prix became the sole North American round in Formula 1, raising its significance in the racing calendar.
1994: Safety Changes and Schumacher's Victory
Following tragedies at Imola, the 1994 Canadian Grand Prix saw safety modifications, including changes to the Droit du Casino corner. Michael Schumacher took the victory.
1995: Alesi's Emotional Victory
Jean Alesi secured his only Formula 1 victory at the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix, a poignant win on his 31st birthday. This victory was particularly special as it came at Gilles Villeneuve's home race, driving Ferrari number 27, a car number made famous by Villeneuve.
1995: Brief Return of the Argentine Grand Prix
The Argentine Grand Prix made a brief comeback to the F1 calendar from 1995 to 1998.
1996: Layout Change and Damon Hill's Victory
The 1996 Canadian Grand Prix saw a notable change in the track layout as the Casino corner was removed, and the run from the hairpin became a straight. This race was won by the British driver, Damon Hill.
1997: Olivier Panis' Career-Changing Crash
The 1997 race saw a premature end due to a severe crash involving Olivier Panis, which sidelined him for nine races. Many consider this incident a turning point in the career of the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix winner.
1998: End of Argentine Grand Prix's Brief Return
The Argentine Grand Prix was discontinued again after the 1998 race.
1999: Mika Häkkinen's Triumph
Breaking Michael Schumacher's winning streak, Finnish driver Mika Häkkinen emerged victorious in the 1999 Canadian Grand Prix.
1999: Ilmor Engine Partnership Begins
Starting in 1999, a significant development took place with Ilmor, a high-performance engine manufacturer, beginning to build engines for the Canadian Grand Prix, with funding from Mercedes. This collaboration aimed to enhance the performance and competitiveness of the participating teams.
1999: Birth of the "Wall of Champions"
The final corner of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve gained notoriety in 1999 when three former World Champions - Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher, and Jacques Villeneuve - crashed into the same wall, which bore the inscription "Bienvenue au Québec" (Welcome to Quebec). This led to the wall's ironic nickname, the "Wall of Champions," a testament to the challenging nature of the corner and the unforgiving nature of motorsport.
2000: US Grand Prix Returns
The United States Grand Prix returned to the F1 calendar in 2000, ending the Canadian Grand Prix's exclusivity as the only North American race.
2001: Tragic Fatality of Graham Beveridge
The 2001 Australian Grand Prix was marked by the tragic death of marshal Graham Beveridge, highlighting the dangers inherent in motorsport. This incident had a lasting impact on safety protocols and served as a reminder of the risks faced by trackside personnel. The 2013 Canadian Grand Prix marked the first fatality since this event.
2001: Historic Sibling 1-2 Finish and Jean Alesi's Celebration
The 2001 Canadian Grand Prix marked the first time in Formula 1 history that siblings finished 1-2, with Ralf and Michael Schumacher taking the top two spots on the podium. This race was also notable for Jean Alesi securing Prost's best finish of the season, a fifth place, which he celebrated with donuts in his car and by throwing his helmet into the enthusiastic crowd.
2003: Another Schumacher Brothers 1-2
Continuing their dominance, the Schumacher brothers, Ralf and Michael, once again finished 1-2 in the 2003 Canadian Grand Prix.
2004: End of Schumacher's Dominance
From 1997 to 2004, with the exception of the 1999 and 2001 races, Michael Schumacher, driving a Ferrari, enjoyed a period of victory at the Canadian Grand Prix. This winning streak came to an end in 2004.
2005: Record-Breaking Viewership
The Canadian Grand Prix in 2005 achieved global recognition as the most-watched Formula One race, ranking as the third most-watched sporting event worldwide.
2005: Ilmor Engine Partnership Ends
The collaboration between Ilmor and Mercedes, which provided engines for the Canadian Grand Prix, came to an end in 2005, marking a shift in the technological landscape of the race.
2007: Lewis Hamilton's First Victory and Kubica's Crash
The 2007 Canadian Grand Prix marked a significant milestone in Formula 1 history as rookie Lewis Hamilton secured his first-ever win. The race was also marked by a horrific crash involving Robert Kubica, who would go on to win the race the following year.
2007: Groundhog Disruptions and Anthony Davidson's Mishap
The 2007 Canadian Grand Prix was marked by several incidents involving groundhogs, showcasing the unique challenges posed by the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. A groundhog disrupted Ralf Schumacher's practice session. On race day, Anthony Davidson, running in a promising third position, had his race compromised when he struck a groundhog (initially thought to be a beaver). The impact forced him to pit for repairs to his front wing, costing him a potential podium finish.
October 2008: Canadian Grand Prix Dropped from 2009 Calendar
In a significant decision on October 7, 2008, the Canadian Grand Prix was excluded from the 2009 Formula One calendar, marking the Montreal race's absence for the first time since 1987.
2008: Near Miss with a Groundhog
During the second practice session of the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix, a groundhog was spotted darting across the track at the hairpin turn. Fortunately, no collisions occurred, and the session continued without disruption.
2008: Canadian Grand Prix Sole North American Round Again
After the Indianapolis Motor Speedway event ended, the Canadian Grand Prix returned to being the sole North American race on the F1 calendar in 2008.
April 2009: Potential Return and Circuit Upgrades
During the Australian Grand Prix, there were emerging reports suggesting the Canadian Grand Prix might make a comeback in 2009 if the Abu Dhabi circuit wasn't ready. On April 26, 2009, Speed reported that Bernie Ecclestone, then Formula One CEO, mentioned the FIA was in talks for the Canadian Grand Prix's return in 2010, contingent on the completion of circuit upgrades.
August 2009: Provisional Schedule and Contract Negotiations
The BBC, in August 2009, published the provisional schedule for the 2010 season, with both the Canadian and British Grand Prix listed as "provisional." Initially, the Canadian GP was slated for June 6.
November 2009: Five-Year Contract Secured
A significant development took place in November 2009 as Quebec's officials, alongside Canadian Grand Prix organizers, successfully negotiated a five-year contract with Formula One Administration, covering the 2010-2014 seasons. This agreement underlined a commitment to hosting the race in Montreal for the foreseeable future.
2009: Jenson Button Falls Victim to the Wall
Adding to its list of high-profile victims, the "Wall of Champions" claimed another victim in 2009 - Jenson Button, who had just won the Formula One World Championship that year.
2009: No North American Race
With the Canadian Grand Prix being dropped after 2008 and the United States Grand Prix being dropped after 2007, 2009 marked the first year since 1958 without a Formula One race in North America.
June 2010: Canadian Grand Prix Returns
After a hiatus, the Canadian Grand Prix returned to Montreal on June 13, 2010.
2010: Canadian Grand Prix Return Negotiations
In April 2009, during the Australian Grand Prix, reports circulated about a potential return of the Canadian Grand Prix in 2010. This return was contingent upon the completion of upgrades to the Montreal circuit and negotiations with Formula One authorities.
2011: US Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas
The United States Grand Prix was reintroduced in 2011, this time at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, once again ending the Canadian Grand Prix's run as the sole North American race.
2011: Longest Formula One Race and Button's Victory
The 2011 Canadian Grand Prix earned the distinction of being the longest Formula One race in history due to torrential rainstorms that caused significant delays. When the race finally resumed, Jenson Button, starting from last place, put on an incredible performance, charging through the field. He caught up with the leader, Sebastian Vettel, and pressured him into a mistake, eventually overtaking the Red Bull driver to secure a remarkable victory, which he later described as "my best ever race."
2011: Vettel Crashes at the "Wall of Champions"
During Friday practice for the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix, even four-time F1 Champion Sebastian Vettel wasn't immune to the perils of the "Wall of Champions," as he became the latest victim of the notorious corner.
2013: Vettel's Dominance and Tragic Fatality
The 2013 Canadian Grand Prix witnessed a dominant performance by Sebastian Vettel in his Red Bull, but it was also overshadowed by a tragic incident. A track marshal, 38-year-old Mark Robinson, was fatally struck by a recovery vehicle. The accident occurred as marshals were in the process of removing Esteban Gutiérrez's Sauber after the Mexican driver spun off during the race's final stages. Robinson's untimely demise, later in the hospital, marked the first trackside fatality in Formula One since Graham Beveridge's death at the 2001 Australian Grand Prix, underscoring the inherent risks associated with motorsport.
2014: End of Five-Year Contract
The five-year contract that was signed in November of 2009, spanning the 2010-2014 seasons, came to a close in 2014.
2018: Romain Grosjean's Groundhog Collision
In the 2018 Canadian Grand Prix, Romain Grosjean encountered a groundhog on the approach to turn 13 during the second practice session. The collision resulted in damage to his front wing.
2019: Magnussen's Encounter with the Wall
In the 2019 Canadian Grand Prix, Kevin Magnussen, another former Formula Renault 3.5 champion, joined the list of drivers who have crashed at the "Wall of Champions" during the qualifying session. However, he escaped serious injury.
2020: Cancellation Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
The 2020 Canadian Grand Prix was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: Cancellation and Contract Extension
The Canadian Grand Prix in 2021 was also cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the contract was extended to 2031.
2022: Nicholas Latifi's Groundhog Encounter
Nicholas Latifi's third practice session in the 2022 Canadian Grand Prix was interrupted when he hit a groundhog in the braking zone of turn 8. This incident highlighted the persistent presence of wildlife on the track and the potential for such encounters.
2031: Contract Extension
The contract for the Canadian Grand Prix was extended to 2031.