Canadian Grand Prix – A circuit appreciated by the drivers

This is one of the fastest tracks of the season. On the calendar since 1978, it measures 4.361 km and consists of 14 corners. Its main feature is the long straight line just before the start-finish line, measuring 1.06 km. Drivers cover 305 kilometers and complete 70 laps reaching speeds usually exceeding 330 km/h.

Lewis Hamilton, who had obtained his first Formula 1 victory here in 2007, considers the track as a karting circuit. « I think it’s probably a bit like an urban circuit and a bit like a karting circuit, with long straight lines. So it’s a track that lends itself well to late braking and an aggressive driving style, I suppose, » he explained at a press conference.

Several straight lines lead to particularly slow corners, resulting in many overtakings and, at the same time, quickly wearing out the brakes and tires of the cars. These characteristics can lead to crazy races. Nico Hülkenberg did not hide his love for this circuit during the pre-Grand Prix press conference. « I love this circuit. It is probably one of my favorites, if not the best. So, I can’t wait to go there. I really hope there will be some dry running, not just wet. It is a low-speed circuit, which suits our car better. This makes me a little more optimistic and allows me to be more competitive. »

The Gilles Villeneuve circuit is a track where the asphalt is not very abrasive, however, the more the drivers race on it, the more optimal the conditions become, which can lead to a rather interesting qualifying session if it takes place in dry conditions. This should not be the case according to the weather forecast. Unstable conditions that do not displease Lance Stroll who is racing at home this weekend. It is a fun circuit. There are big curbs and technical aspects. There is not much room for error, with the walls being close. I have always appreciated the challenge that this circuit represents. And the weather can always be interesting. It can also be a source of enjoyment, which seems to be the case this weekend, so we will see.

As for the tires brought by Pirelli, given the very smooth asphalt, the selection was oriented towards the softer compounds in the range: the C3, C4, and C5.