F1 Canadian Grand Prix preview: Previous winners, fastest lap, track layout, history and more

Formula One returns to North America for the second time in 2023 as the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal hosts the Canadian Grand Prix. 

Over the years this track has given F1 fans around the world some of the most memorable moments, from the 1999 christening of the 'Wall of Champions' to Jenson Button's stunning victory in the rain back in 2011. 

It's also regarded by the drivers themselves as one of their favourite tracks on the calendar each season. 

From circuit stats to previous results, The Sporting News tells you everything you need to know about the Canadian Grand Prix and its illustrious history.

MORE: F1 Canadian Grand Prix predictions, odds, betting tips, best bets for 2023 race

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve circuit facts and layout

• First Grand Prix hosted: 1978 (other venues hosted since 1961)
• Numbers of laps: 70
• Circuit length: 4.361km
• Total race distance: 305.27km

This track is best known for the 'Wall of Champions' which has claimed the egos of many drivers over the years. It got its name during the 1999 Canadian Grand Prix when Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve and Michael Schumacher all collided there.

MORE: 2023 season calendar, list of circuits, fastest ever lap times and more

Five interesting facts about the Canadian Grand Prix

• The Canadian Grand Prix takes place at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve which resides on Ile Notre-Dame, an artificial island in the centre of Montreal. The island was built in 1961 to be an event ground for the World's Fair and was later used for the 1970 Olympics.
   
• The track was originally called the Île Notre-Dame Circuit after the island that it's located on, however, it was re-named after Gilles Villeneuve in 1982 following his tragic death at the Belgian Grand Prix earlier in the year.
   
• A staple at this track, don't be surprised to see groundhogs running across the track. Officials try to trap and move as many of the creatures as they can before the racing weekend begins but it's not always to avail. 
   
• The 2011 Canadian Grand Prix holds the record for longest F1 race in history. Due to severe weather, a long red flag stoppage and several safety cars, it took four hours, four minutes and 39.537 seconds to complete.
   
• According to experts and drivers alike, the pit exit at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is one of the hardest in the sport. That's because it enters the track in the middle of corner one which has caused multiple incidents before. 

List of previous winners of the Canadian Grand Prix

Below is a full list of winners at the Canadian Grand Prix from when the race has been a regular part of the Formula One calendar. It has hosted races since 1961 overall during its history.

Who holds the fastest lap record at the Canadian Grand Prix?

Valtteri Bottas — 1:13.078

Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas currently holds the lap record at the Canadian Grand Prix. Back in 2019 when driving for Mercedes, he punched in a 1:13.078 en route to a P4 finish in Montreal.