Understanding Montreal F1 Grandstands
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve offers diverse viewing experiences. Seat selection should align with preferences for race starts, overtaking action, or specific track sections.
Key Grandstand Areas
Main Straight & Senna Curve (Turns 1 & 2)
- Grandstands 1, 2, Platine (Main Straight): View the starting grid, pit lane, start/finish line, and podium. Optimal for pre-race activities and the race start.
- Grandstands 11 & 12 (Senna Curve – Turns 1 & 2): Observe the crucial first corners, a frequent site for opening lap incidents and overtakes. Cars brake hard for Turn 1 and navigate the Senna ‘S’.
Epingle Hairpin (Turn 10)
- Grandstands 15, 21, 24: Located around the tight Hairpin (L’Epingle), a prime overtaking zone due to heavy braking. Provides close-up views of car control. Grandstand 24 offers a direct view of the hairpin apex.
Island Section Chicanes
- Grandstand 31 (Turns 6 & 7): Overlooks the technical chicane at Turns 6 and 7. Spectators see cars manage this section before the back straight.
- Grandstand 33 (Turns 8 & 9): Positioned for views of cars through the fast Turns 8 and 9 chicane.
- Lance Stroll Grandstand (Grandstand 46, near Turns 8 & 9): Offers dedicated views of the Turns 8 & 9 chicane; a popular spectator choice.
Final Chicane (Turns 13 & 14 – “Wall of Champions”)
- Grandstands 41, 47 (Family Grandstand): Situated at the entry/exit of the final chicane, the “Wall of Champions.” View cars braking hard and accelerating onto the main straight at this critical, error-prone section.
General Admission
General Admission areas are sited at various points, typically on grassy embankments. This is the most economical option, allowing freedom of movement. Views may be distant or partly obscured; popular spots require early arrival.
Choosing Your Seat
- Start/Finish & Pits: Grandstands 1, 2, Platine.
- Overtaking Hotspots: Grandstands 11, 12 (Senna Curve); Grandstands 15, 21, 24 (Hairpin).
- Iconic Corners: Grandstands at the “Wall of Champions” (e.g., 41).
- Technical Skill Display: Grandstands at Turns 6 & 7 or Turns 8 & 9.
- Atmosphere & Value: Lance Stroll Grandstand, General Admission.
Consider proximity to amenities, sun exposure (many stands are uncovered), and preferred vantage point (high/low). Most grandstands have nearby giant screens for comprehensive race coverage.
