Chaos at Canadian Grand Prix produces best race so far

14th June 2024

However race weekend falls short with fan experience

It's fair to say F1 fans were not prepared for the amazing spectacle they were about to witness at the recent Canadian Grand Prix, writes Damian Hall from Montreal.

Between June 7-9, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve located on Notre Dame Island, Montreal, played host to the 9th, and arguably, the most exciting round of the 2024 Formula One World Championship thus far.

No one could deny that the mixed weather conditions, which included torrential rain and hail at one point, set the stage for the best racing we’ve seen this season, keeping strategists and drivers on their toes.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen eventually took home the win. McLaren’s Lando Norris came in second, and Mercedes’ George Russell managed third with a tyre advantage over teammate Sir Lewis Hamilton, who finished fourth despite feeling it was one of his “worst drives.”

While some enjoyed the spectacle that is Formula One from the stands and other premium seating and areas, others struggled to even see the action just inches in front of them.

Those with general admission tickets will find that though they are not afforded stand access, they can choose from a variety of viewing spots around the track. These spots, of course, differ depending on track and host country, but at the Canadian GP, one of the best was undoubtedly at the start-finish line.

As the race weekend gives fans three days of action – practice, qualifiers, and race day – many use the first day to recce the best spots and they tend to camp there until the race, in spite of unpredictable weather.

This was the case at the viewing spot by the start-finish line. Many fans had pinpointed that as their desired spot to enjoy the race. However, on race day, right before the race started, a black net was erected, which, in turn, obstructed the view of the track, forcing those who had planned their experience at that spot to rush to find a backup area.

The issue has been highlighted on social media, and at the time of writing, there has been no official response from the organizers as to why this decision was made on race day.

It would also be remiss not to mention a large number of people turned away on the first day of practice when they were told by police and other officials that due to the weather, the sessions for the day were cancelled when they were not.

Though I was not affected by what I can only describe as a “blackout” and on the receiving end of incorrect information, I feel obligated to speak on behalf of those who were affected.

But there were also countless positives too.

In my experience of attending Formula One around the world, what you come to realize is that every city organizes things slightly differently, which makes for a varied experience.

In Montreal, along with the usual food trucks and team-branded apparel on sale in the

Fanzone, an exclusive life-size Lego McLaren Formula 1 model was revealed.

Fans could go in for free, take photos, and even had the opportunity to have access to a workstation where they could build their own miniature version of the McLaren to keep, which was a nice touch.

There was also an area where fans could try their hand at various activities – at no additional charge – for a chance to win an array of prizes ranging from concert tickets to a brand new Google Pixel device. These included driver strength and endurance tests, a driver reflex test, and there was also a photo op in a Formula 1 chassis, which proved popular amongst attendees.

Other spectacles included a bike stunt display, DJ, and the usual sim racing and pit stop challenge, where fans had an opportunity to get an idea of what it takes to change the tire on an F1 car.

Those not wanting to take part in trackside viewing could gather at Heineken’s Grand Quay Pavilion area and view all the action from a giant screen. There was DJ programming for all three days, making it the ultimate watch party.

Though not quite the white sands and crystal clear beaches you would expect in the Caribbean, an erected beach area provided another option and screen to view the race.

As a Barbados native, I was happy to see a Barbados tent giving away little trinkets, stays at one of the island’s top resorts, and even a driving experience at the Bushy Park Circuit, Barbados’ Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) grade 4 racetrack.

Aside from viewing on the aforementioned screens, there are areas around the track where fans set up camp to catch a glimpse of an F1 car zipping by at over 300 km/h – blink, and you miss it.

Most of these spots are located in wooded or grassy areas and only provide a small window of opportunity to see the cars pass by.

While fans with access to a grandstand are afforded a number of additional activities, such as a track lane walk, photo ops with the actual championship trophies, track guides, and the option of a helicopter ride, I believe, despite the many false starts I have listed above, it is important to experience general admission at least once.

As well as being more pocket-friendly, those with general admission tickets are, for the most part, closest to the action, separated by only a few feet and a fence, which really brings the experience together.

The thrill of performing your recce on day one to find the perfect spot, getting there, and securing it provides a friendly competitiveness that speaks to the nature of a motorsport fan.

The great thing about attending Formula One is that it is a custom experience; the comfort level is what you make it. You can base your experience on what is important to you and your budget; there really is something for everyone.

In the case of this year’s Canadian Grand Prix, greater effort needs to be made to make fans feel like they matter. Fans are the fuel for the sport; they deserve better.

#THEHALLOFF1 #FORMULAONE #F1NEWS #CANADIANGP #CANADAGP