Vroum Vroum, it’ s almost time for the Grand Prix in Montreal, and like every year, it’s going to be three days of thrills when all Montrealers – including those who couldn’t name a single racing driver if their lives depended on it for the rest of the year – become die-hard F1 fans , and can describe with acuity all the twists and turns of the Gilles Villeneuve circuit.
This year’s Grand Prix takes place from June 13 to 15, and is much more than just a series of races (with the Canadian Grand Prix race on June 15). It’s a lifestyle and a big party for the whole town – tactical sunglasses optional, obsession with speed mandatory.
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
Gilles Villeneuve is one of Canada’s sporting icons – literally, some sports fans say a little prayer to Gilles Villeneuve before a hard day’s racing.
The F1 racer was born in 1950 in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (for those who want to make a pilgrimage there, we’ve got a guide to the village right here!) He won 6 Grands Prix, always with Ferrari, and reached the podium 13 times.
His short but illustrious career, and his tragic death in 1982 during a qualifying lap at the Belgian Grand Prix at Zolder, transformed this great racer into an immortal idol – and the circumstances of the accident that caused his death are still debated to this day.
It was he who inaugurated Montreal’s Île Notre-Dame circuit – with a victory at the Canadian Grand Prix in 1978 – and the circuit now bears his name.
The Canadian Grand Prix takes place on this circuit, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, located on Île Notre-Dame at Parc Jean-Drapeau.
The circuit is 4.361km long, with 14 tight corners and straights where speeds exceed 300 km/h. It’s renowned for its daring overtaking maneuvers and driving errors – both dangerous and exciting. Drivers cover this track in less than 1min 15s.
During the Grand Prix, participating racers circle the track 70 times, for a total distance of 305.27km.
There are 3 practice laps on June 13 and 14, followed by qualifying on the afternoon of June 14 and the race at 2pm on June 15.
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, surrounded by the tall green trees of Ile Notre-Dame, is renowned as one of the most beautiful Grand Prix circuits in the world.
F1 weekend in Montreal
This year’s F1 is from Friday June 13 to Sunday June 15, and it’s a Friday that many Quebecers will be taking off to spend the three-day weekend in Montreal.
Cars going (very, very) fast is a vector of collective joy that’s hard to explain, but which encompasses the whole city. We’ve all got a racing jacket in the back of our closet from one of our favorite thrift stores(we’ve got a list here) that we’re going to wear all weekend to catch the eye of a racer – or a pit crew member, we’re not picky – and get our hearts racing at 300km/hour.
As we know, tickets to see the F1 races are very expensive, starting at $455 for a 3-day ground pass. If you want to get your tickets, you’ve got to get them now!
During the Grand Prix weekend, Montreal is transformed into a huge festival. Throughout the city, there will be themed terraces, official merchandise stands and plenty of activities for the whole family.
Restaurants and bars will be dressed to the nines to host parties, and celebrities and F1 enthusiasts from the four corners of the globe will be on hand.
There will also be Ferrari, Porsche and Formula 1600 challenges, as well as tours of the support race paddocks. You can even test your driving skills in the racing simulators.
F1 events
*This section of the guide is evolving, and will be updated as events are announced during the F1 weekend.
Formula Peel Festival
We’re still waiting for the program for the 2025 edition, but every year Montreal’s Peel Street is a Formula 1 mecca.
We’ll be reserving terrace seats in advance, laying our hands on the race cars as they go by, watching the vipers drinking champagne, drinking champagne with the vipers, and watching the races on the big screens that will be set up in the street.
The Grand Prix Festival on Crescent
From June 12 to 15, under the benevolent gaze of Leonard Cohen’s mural, you’ll be able to party on Crescent Street. There’ll be racers, concerts, Corona and activities for sports lovers – and lovers of sports lovers.
Practical info – Montreal F1 Grand Prix
When will it take place? From Friday June 13, 2025 to Sunday June 15, 2025
Where? Circuit Gilles Villeneuve – Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal / and throughout the city
Have a great Grand Prix weekend!