‘Montreal comes alive’: Formula 1 frenzy takes over city for Canadian Grand Prix weekend

Montreal is buzzing with excitement for the start of Grand Prix weekend.

From the roaring engines on the roads to the hundreds of thousands of fans taking over the downtown streets and the track — Circuit Gilles Villeneuve — it’s safe to say there’s a Formula 1 frenzy in the city.

“Loving to soak up like the environment, the Formula 1, just like being downtown. I think it’s when like Montreal comes alive the most for the year,” said Sofia Mehrez, a Montreal Formula 1 fan.

Daniela Maciocia, another Montreal Formula 1 fan, said, “The anticipation all year round is amazing. And honestly, I love going out with my friend here, Sofia. We always like to bond over F1 all throughout the year.”

Fans like Montrealers Maciocia and Mehrez have been waiting outside of hotels to get a glimpse of their favourite drivers.

“Yesterday, I got this signed from Lando Norris, and yesterday I also got this sign from Carlos Sainz,” said Mehrez.

Nicole Amenta from Toronto said, “We’re big fans of Formula 1. We know some of the drivers are staying at the hotel.”

She and her family were outside the Ritz Carlton for about three hours.

“We’ve seen Alex Albon, Russell, Kimi Antonelli,” she added.

“This is our first time in Montreal to watch the race,” said Amenta. “We’ve been to a few other races before, so we’ll see how those compares, but nothing beats home soil, so we’ll see.”

Drivers were out on the track on Friday afternoon during the practice session.

“Montreal has had the track for so long and I think it’s just like one of the staples of Montreal, and that’s why a lot of tourists also come here,” said Mehrez.

And it’s not just F1 fans from Montreal and Canada that are coming to see the Grand Prix. Fans are showing up from Ohio, Mexico, and Ireland, to name a few.

The event draws 350,000 visitors for the weekend, generating $162 million in revenue.

“First time for us here, we hear good things about Montreal. Let’s see,” said Sergio Garcia, a Formula 1 fan from Mexico.

Tom Fitzsimons, a Formula 1 fan from Ireland, said the city is “beautiful and the people are amazing. The people couldn’t be more helpful.”

Simon Oliveros, a Formula 1 fan from Toronto, added, “It’s amazing. It’s very lively. There’s a lot of nice pop-ups going on. I’m enjoying it a lot. We’re going to go explore.”

Angelo Ebeto from Ottawa says the energy has been palpable. “I’m seeing so many fans just all around me. I’m like excited just seeing them.”

For Chez Alezandre restaurant on Peel Street, this weekend alone accounts for more than half of their yearly profit.

“This is Christmas for adults,” Alain Creton, Chez Alexandre owner and President of the Peel Street Merchants’ Association. “You see beautiful cars, nice people from all over the world.”

Some fans are also hoping that one team in particular can turn their first practice fortunes around come Sunday.

“The weather is great, way better than it was last year. So we’re really looking forward to a nice cool, dry race, and hope for a Ferrari win,” said Paolo De Civita, a Montreal Formula 1 fan.

This year will be the last time Grand Prix weekend is in its usual June slot in the city. As of next year, it moves to the May 22nd weekend to help consolidate the European part of the calendar.

Mehrez adding, “It’s like the yearly tradition that we look forward to. So, best of luck to everyone racing.”