Welcome to the Canada F1 24 Track Guide!
Discover how to master the iconic Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, located in the heart of Montreal. This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of each sector, corner-by-corner tips, previous pole lap benchmarks, and essential car setup advice. Known for its high-speed straights, technical chicanes, and the legendary “Wall of Champions,” Canada offers a thrilling challenge for every driver. Whether you’re a seasoned sim racer or new to the sport, this guide will help you conquer the exciting Canadian Grand Prix circuit and unlock your full potential.
Circuit Overview
- Location: Montreal, Canada
- Length: 4.361 km (2.710 miles)
- Corners: 14
- DRS Zones: 3
- Layout: A high-speed circuit with tight chicanes, heavy braking zones, and long straights.
- Surface: Smooth asphalt with variable grip levels, especially in wet conditions.
- Unique Feature: The “Wall of Champions” at the exit of the final chicane, a notorious challenge for
Sector 1: (Turns 1-5)
- Turn 1 (Senna Curve):
The lap begins with a hard braking zone into the Senna Curve, a left-hand corner. Focus on a smooth turn-in and prioritize your exit, as it sets up your momentum for the following straight. Avoid taking too much curb on the inside, which can unsettle the car. - Turn 2:
This is a right-hand tight corner exiting the Senna Curve. Keep the car stable and slowly build speed on exit to take you down the small straight, maintaining good traction to build momentum is key for this corner. - Turns 3-4:
These gentle kinks can be taken with great speed, but be careful not to run wide on the exit and catch the wall on the outside of turn 4, you can take a lot of kerb through this chicane. - Turn 5:
A sweeping right-hand kink that continues the momentum before the heavy braking zone for Turn 6. Focus on positioning the car correctly for the upcoming chicane.
Sector 2: (Turns 6-9)
- Turn 6-7:
A high-speed left-right chicane that requires confidence and precision. Brake hard and shift down quickly into Turn 6, clipping the inside curb lightly. Keep the car stable as you transition to Turn 7, where maintaining exit speed is critical for the next straight. Avoid over-committing to the kerbs, as they can compromise traction. A good exit out of turn 7 is crucial as it leads onto a DRS zone. - Turn 8-9:
Another tight chicane with a slightly slower approach. Brake in a straight line before Turn 8, hit the apex, and prepare for a quick switch to Turn 9, another area to avoid running wide on exit. Smooth throttle input is key here to maximize exit speed for the next straight that leads down to the hairpin that can be used as a overtaking opportunity.
Sector 3: (Turns 10-14)
- Turn 10 (Hairpin – L’Epingle):
The slowest corner on the circuit, requiring heavy braking and a sharp turn. Brake as late as possible but avoid locking up. Focus on a clean apex and smooth exit to power down the following long straight. - Turns 11-12 (Casino Straight):
This is a flat-out section leading to the final chicane, these are more kinks than corners. Use the long straight to activate DRS and build maximum speed. Position the car to the left as you approach the braking zone for Turn 13. In racing conditions watch out for people entering the pits. - Turn 13-14 (Wall of Champions Chicane):
The final chicane is one of the trickiest sections on the track. Brake hard and stay composed through the sharp right-left combination. Clip the apex of Turn 13 without cutting too much kerb, and focus on a clean exit through Turn 14. Be cautious of the infamous “Wall of Champions” on the outside, which has claimed many drivers over the years.
Full Qualifying Lap
In this section, you’ll find my full Canada F1 24 qualifying lap video, where I push the limits of precision and speed to challenge myself against real-world qualifying lap times. Experience the exhilaration of navigating Canada’s iconic corners like the Senna Curve, the L’Epingle hairpin and the infamous Wall of Champions. See how my lap stacks up against the best in Formula 1 and witness the technical mastery required to conquer this thrilling circuit. Immerse yourself in the excitement of the Canadian Grand Prix and explore what it takes to master one of the most dynamic tracks on the calendar.
Previous Pole Lap Times at Canada Grand Prix
Here are the pole lap times for the Canada Grand Prix in recent years, showcasing the incredible speed and precision required to master this iconic circuit.
- 2024 Pole Lap: George Russell & Max Verstappen – 1:12.000 (Identical times, Russell awarded pole for setting the time first)
- 2023 Pole Lap: Max Verstappen – 1:25.858 (Wet Conditions)
- 2022 Pole Lap: Max Verstappen – 1:21.299
- 2021 Pole Lap: Cancelled Covid 19
- 2020 Pole Lap: Cancelled Covid 19
Personal Lap Reflection
I absolutely love racing in Canada. This circuit offers fantastic racing opportunities, combining fast straights with technical chicanes that create exciting racing situations.
Overall, I was really happy with my lap—it was completely clean, and the setup provided the stability I needed to ride the kerbs and carry a lot of speed through the corners. However, one corner that caught me out was the braking into the hairpin. I braked too late, causing a small wobble as the tires locked up. I just about got away with it, though I probably lost a bit of time there.
Luckily, I maximized the rest of the lap and was still able to grab pole position. Not only that, but I smashed George Russell’s real-world pole time! Racing here is always a thrill, and I’m thrilled with how this session went.
Canada F1 24 Setup
For my Canada F1 24 Grand Prix qualifying lap, I used a setup tailored for a 35% race distance with 100 AI difficulty. This balanced configuration was designed to handle the circuit’s high-speed straights and technical chicanes, ensuring stability and precision without the need for mid-session adjustments like brake bias or differential changes.
It’s a reliable “set it and forget it” approach, allowing you to fully focus on nailing each lap and maximizing race performance on this incredible circuit.
| Aerodynamics | Front wing | 42 |
| Rear wing | 33 | |
| Transmission | Differential on-throttle | 75% |
| Differential off-throttle | 30% | |
| Engine braking | 100% | |
| Suspension Geometry | Front camber | -3.50 |
| Rear camber | -2.20 | |
| Front toe-out | 0.00 | |
| Rear toe-in | 0.03 | |
| Suspension | Front suspension | 41 |
| Rear suspension | 5 | |
| Front anti-roll bar | 21 | |
| Rear anti-roll bar | 16 | |
| Front ride height | 20 | |
| Rear ride height | 55 | |
| Brakes | Brake pressure | 100% |
| Front brake bias | 55% | |
| Tyres | Front right tyre pressure | 25.5psi |
| Front left tyre pressure | 25.5psi | |
| Rear right tyre pressure | 24.5psi | |
| Rear left tyre pressure | 24.5psi |
Memorable Moments of the Canada Grand Prix
- Gilles Villeneuve’s First Win (1978):
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is named after Canada’s beloved racing hero, who claimed his first F1 victory here in 1978, driving for Ferrari. His triumph remains a proud moment in Canadian motorsport history. - The Wall of Champions (1999):
The infamous Wall of Champions earned its name after Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher, and Jacques Villeneuve all crashed into it during the 1999 race. The wall has since claimed many other victims, becoming a legendary part of the circuit. - Jenson Button’s Miracle Victory (2011):
Dubbed one of the greatest F1 races ever, Button’s 2011 victory featured six pit stops, a drive-through penalty, and a last-lap overtake of Sebastian Vettel in wet-dry conditions after starting from the back of the grid. - Lewis Hamilton’s First Win (2007):
Hamilton secured his maiden F1 victory in 2007 at the Canadian Grand Prix, announcing himself as a future star of the sport. - Hamilton vs. Vettel Controversy (2019):
In a dramatic and controversial race, Sebastian Vettel was penalized for rejoining the track unsafely, handing the victory to Hamilton. The post-race reaction, where Vettel swapped the 1st and 2nd place signs, became iconic.
Conclusion
The Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a true highlight on the Formula 1 calendar, offering a perfect blend of high-speed straights, challenging corners, and opportunities for dramatic racing. Whether you’re tackling the technical chicanes or aiming for a clean lap through the fast straights, this circuit rewards precision and strategy. The history of the race is filled with unforgettable moments, from legendary drivers like Gilles Villeneuve to thrilling on-track battles and dramatic upsets.
Mastering this iconic circuit takes time, but with the right setup and a solid understanding of each sector, you can unlock the full potential of the track. Whether you’re racing in real life or virtually, the Canadian Grand Prix is always a spectacle, and with this guide, you’re equipped to tackle it head-on. From perfecting your qualifying lap to improving your race performance, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a challenge worth embracing. Happy racing, and good luck!
I put together this track guide using my trusty Fanatec GT DD Pro 8Nm racing wheel paired with the F1 Esports V2 rim, along with modded CSL pedals for that extra responsiveness. I race on the PS5, seated comfortably in my modified Playseat Challenge. To elevate my performance even further, I gear up with specialized gloves and boots that provide the perfect grip and feel. This setup has truly enhanced my control and precision on the track, making every racing session not just competitive, but incredibly enjoyable!
“Looking for more tips and in-depth guides? Check out my YouTube channel for detailed walkthroughs, pole lap videos, and setup insights for every track. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest updates and sim racing content!”
Disclaimer: Please note that these are affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.