An Insider’s Guide to the Perfect Weekend at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal
Mercedes-Benz x SHARP
From June 13 to 15, the globe-trotting circus of Formula One descends on Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix. Hundreds of thousands of spectators flock to this sold-out race weekend to see the 20 best (and/or luckiest) drivers on the planet race the most spectacular cars in the world. Trust us, being there is even better than watching Drive to Survive.
There are grandstands, and then there are the Mercedes-Benz Elite Suites. Think: top-notch restaurant with trackside viewing. Situated between the start/finish line and the Senna corner, the Elite Suites provide an exceptional vantage point to watch the first corner mayhem and see drivers rocketing out of the pits and rejoining the action.
The Cars & The Circuit
Vehicle
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo hybrid
Power: More than 1,000 hp
Price: Untold millions
Venue
Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, situated on the Île Notre-Dame in the middle of the St. Lawrence River, is the most beautiful venue on the Formula One calendar (how’s that for national pride).
Where to Stay and Eat
If you want to rub shoulders with Formula One teams, drivers, and celebrities (without splurging on a paddock pass), we have the inside track.
Stay at one of Montreal’s luxury hotels like the Ritz-Carlton, and you’re sure to cross paths with drivers, bosses, and team members.
You’re guaranteed at least two “star-sightings” at the Ritz-Carlton during Grand Prix weekend as a Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster and Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe will be prominently displayed outside from Thursday, June 12 to Sunday, June 15. Eat at classic restaurants like Maison Boulud at the Ritz-Carlton, Beatrice, and Joe Beef. Secluded spots like Bar Furco and Café Parvis are also good bets, as are buzzy new restaurants including Le Violon.
Best Party
One of the city’s most highly anticipated events, each year, the Ritz-Carlton famously kicks off Grand Prix weekend with its Friday night party. Taking place this year on Friday, June 13, “Ritz Royale” will be black tie, open bar, and likely a preferred destination for NBA players and other high flyers in town for the race. In fact, there is apparently a hidden speakeasy within the party for Mercedes-Benz’s VVIP guests; you may see some A-Listers sneaking in and out of “Lounge des icônes” on Friday night!
“Montreal is a Driver’s Dream”: Fact or Fiction?
Fact! Setting aside the picturesque park-like setting, notoriously rowdy Montreal fans, and electric atmosphere on the island, the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve itself has long been one of the drivers’ favourites. It’s a deceptively simple, high-speed, low-downforce track with only 13 corners. But those 13 corners offer spectacular overtaking opportunities. The circuit rewards swagger and risk taking, which all but guarantees a great race.
What to Wear
Good shades, hat, comfortable shoes, lots of official Formula One lanyards to show you’re a VVVIP, and a cool watch is an unmatched recipe for race weekend. For the latter, Mercedes-AMG team sponsor IWC Schaffhausen has what you need. From their range of official team watches, we’re partial to the classic Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS.
Pop-Up Shop
If you’re rooting for George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS team, you’ll want to hit the team’s official pop-up shop. The location is still to be determined, so be sure to follow @mercedesbenzcanada on social.
Take a Test Drive
If you’re feeling the need (the need for speed) during Formula One weekend, drop into the new AMG Brand Centre at Mercedes-Benz Silver Star. It’s a temple to all things AMG, a palatial toy-box stocked with the finest German muscle sedans, high-powered SUVs, and track-ready sports cars imbued with AMG’s World Championship–winning Formula One know-how. It’s the second AMG Brand Centre in Canada, and one of only 11 in the world, making it a must-see destination for performance car enthusiasts.
Photography courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.
