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‘Why Canada is the Best Grand Prix on the F1 Calendar’

11 June 2025
12 Min Read
Katy Fairman |External Contributor

Roberto first fell in love with Formula 1 when watching the Italian Grand Prix in 2011. When he realised that season’s Canadian Grand Prix had been and gone, he threw a tantrum.

His dad always watched the races on television, but it wasn’t until he was six-years-old that he truly became obsessed.

One evening, Roberto’s father returned with a chequered flag and tickets to the 2012 Canadian Grand Prix. The rest is history, and Roberto has been in attendance at every race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve since.

Now older, Roberto still has the same love for Formula 1, and pairs his visits to the track with his other passion: photography.

*All the photos used in this piece were taken by Roberto himself*

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Watching Schumacher in His Silver Arrow

Having seen so many seasons of Formula 1, picking a favourite moment might feel impossible. But there is one that comes to Roberto’s mind, from his very first Canadian Grand Prix.

“My fondest memory was watching the race with my dad on our camping chairs, in general admission, hearing those screaming V8s,” he says.

“I got to see my dad cheering for his favourite driver, Michael Schumacher, racing for the Silver Arrows!”

General admission is a great option for fans, says Roberto, who recommends basing yourself right after the hairpin and the Lance Stroll grandstand.

“If you get there early enough, say before 7am, you can get right next to the barrier and see the cars coming onto the hairpin and exit it, you really cannot get any closer than that!”

‘So Different to Any Other Grand Prix’

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve certainly has a mix of everything. As well as elements that remind you of a street circuit, like the famous Wall of Champions, there are also parts of the circuit that resemble a permanent racetrack such as the hairpin. It’s this blend, in addition to the vibrant fan festival feeling, that makes this place one-of-a-kind.

“It’s different to any other track,” Roberto adds.

“It's a sort of hybrid old school and city track, but it’s a permanent circuit. The walls are very close, so it is unforgiving when making mistakes, and there is always action.

“The weather can always be tricky for the drivers, and there are iconic parts like the wall of champions or the Senna Esses, and that’s what makes it special!”

On the topic of weather, Canada has seen almost all conditions over the years:

“I’ve had the whole package,” says Roberto.

“From rain, sunshine, extreme heat, cold; the Montreal weather is unpredictable to say the least!”

F1 Academy Returns this Week

As well as Formula 1 on track, F1 ACADEMY is back for another weekend of action. Our very own Doriane Pin is currently second in the drivers’ standings and just a single point off the top spot. Since last racing in Miami, the Netflix documentary, F1: The Academy, has also been released worldwide.

Roberto is looking forward to watching the first the series for the first time.

“I’m super excited to have F1 academy in Montreal, because I’m sure it’ll bring more awareness to the fact that women do have a place in racing.

“It’s giving a clear and real example that that’s the case, and I think it’s extremely inspirational for young girls. Knowing the impact that Drive to Survive had on Formula 1, I think the F1: The Academy Netflix series has the potential to do a lot of good for audiences that haven’t been targeted as much, namely girls and women!”

‘Wherever You Go, There Will Be Activities’

Montreal is known for being one of the best cities on the calendar, and when Formula 1 comes to town they go all out. Roberto has been to many events during race week and suggests keeping an eye out for events at bars and clubs for something more ‘high end’.

“If you're searching for something during the day, Crescent Street becomes pedestrian-only and you have all sorts of activities for the race. Peel Street and Eaton Center are other places to look out for!” he says.

Being in Canada, there is also one big question that we all need an answer for… where can we get the best poutine?

“You can’t go wrong with (food chain) La Belle Province, it's a classic,” beams Roberto.

Picture This!

As well as Formula 1, the other big love of Roberto’s life is photography, and the Canadian Grand Prix lets him blend the two.

Over the years, Roberto has narrowed down the best spots to get the perfect shot.

“Grandstand 47 is great to get a view of the cars coming out of the hairpin, and down the straight.

“Grandstand 12 is also amazing to get the cars quickly negotiating the Senna esses, I got a beautiful shot of both Mercedes in practice one behind the other, it’s one of my favourites!”

In 2024, Roberto was on hand to capture George as he celebrated on the podium.

“I love the ones I took of George on the podium. After a long race in changing conditions, he definitely deserved it and I managed to get some great post-race pictures from the main straight during the fan invasion.”

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