Why the Canadian GP should be your favourite North American race

An interview with FanAmp’s Kaitlin Tucci

 

Hey there, Formula 1 fans! Today, we’re diving into the world of the Canadian Grand Prix with Kaitlin Tucci, Head of Marketing at FanAmp—your one-stop-shop for all things Formula 1.

Kaitlin and the FanAmp team are on a mission to make traveling to races effortless and unforgettable. She has the full scoop to help fans learn the ins and outs of attending the Grand Prix du Canada! 

Montreal is known for experiencing “four seasons in one day,” which makes it an exciting yet unpredictable destination. To help you prepare for the Montreal F1 race, the FanAmp team has put together a Canadian GP Seating Guide, an On- Track Guide, and an Off – Track Guide to Montreal’s Fan Zones and Experiences. Plus, download the FanAmp app to chat with race fans, attend trackside community events, and take their race guides with you.

Q: So Kaitlin, we’ll start with the most important question: what was your best moment at the Canadian GP?

For me, the best moment was when Lando Norris took the lead. While I am a Charles Leclerc fan, I have a soft spot for the two McLaren drivers and an even softer spot for the Canadian GP crowd. The absolute ROARS heard from every grandstand—even from Max fans—was deafening near the hairpin (Grandstand 46). The fan atmosphere at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is truly what makes this race SO special. In that moment, I was reminded of it tenfold.

Q: Is that why you chose to attend the Canadian GP?

This is my second year attending the Canadian Grand Prix, and my first year attending with FanAmp. Last year (2023), this race was the very first race that I ever attended.

The Canadian Grand Prix, in my opinion, offers the best fan experience of the races in North America. The city of Montreal transforms into a racing hub in a way that other cities simply cannot match. Additionally, the Formula 1 fans that attend this race create an amazing environment—from lifelong fans to world travellers to families and children—that cannot be replicated.

It was a no-brainer to want to return to this race, especially now that I have more knowledge of how a race weekend works in Montreal. And now, I’m here to share all my learnings with you!

Q: How was it to travel to the race? You’re based in New York, right? Any tips for fans not based in Montreal?

PRO TIP: Book your transportation WELL in advance—even if you are not traveling far.

I am based in New York City, which is about an hour flight or a 6–7-hour drive to Montreal. Generally, I would suggest booking a round-trip flight. However, I booked my travel a bit too late (end of April). Fortunately, we were able to book a flight to Montreal and a Greyhound bus for the return trip for a total cost of about $200 USD.

Once you’re in Montreal, travel is very simple around the city and to and from the track. There is no need to rent a car because the metro (subway) in Montreal is timely and reliable for all transportation needed while you’re in the city for the race.

Q: How was it finding accommodation?

Similar to booking travel, it is KEY to book your accommodation up to a year in advance for the Canadian Grand Prix. This is the ‘barrier to entry’ more than anything else for fans who want to attend the race.

For the past 2 years, I have stayed at the Chateau de l’Argoat near the Sherbrooke station in Montreal (about 10 minutes north of downtown). This boutique hotel is just out of the main hustle and bustle of Downtown Montreal and only starts accepting reservations for the June race in February.

Montreal also allows Grand Prix fans to stay at McGill University in the dorms, and there are many hostel options for fans who do not want to fork out thousands for hotel rooms downtown.

If you want to learn more about travel and accommodation in Montreal, check out FanAmp’s Travel Guide.

Q: Can you tell us more about the atmosphere at the circuit?

The atmosphere at the track is one of the main reasons I consider the Canadian Grand Prix to be the best race in North America. It feels as though every single fan in the circuit is on an equal playing field—from General Admission to Paddock Access—experiencing the same rain, mud, hail, but also excitement, camaraderie, and happiness.

The track is older and less polished than the likes of the Miami Grand Prix, but the track itself and race organisers have really catered the experience to racing fans of all walks of life and interest levels. Everywhere you turn, there is another group of excited fans (just a little bit damp from the rain), fan zones with everything from skateboarders (Monster Energy Zone) to merch and art, to designing your own F1 Livery and sim racing.

There are hilarious track traditions like loudly booing the Paddock Club buses and ROARING cheers for the marshalls and safety cars. You will find fans of every team from the age of 1 to 90. It truly feels like a race for ALL. We were even able to interview some of the fans on and off the track throughout the weekend, so you can hear this directly from other fans as well!

Q: You experienced several grandstands while you were there. Which were your highlights?

[Check out FanAmp’s Canadian GP Seating Guide and Seating Guide Video for more details]

Grandstand 1: Our seat in Section 8 Row NN was PHENOMENAL as a Ferrari (and McLaren) fan. We sat directly in front of the Ferrari Garages and had perfect views all the way down the paddock from Red Bull to Mercedes to McLaren. This experience was SO unique because, unlike many tracks, this grandstand is essentially ON the start/finish straight. The only downside is you are in for a 25–30-minute walk to and from the entrance of the circuit, so bring your walking shoes!

Grandstand 46: Grandstand 46 is my tried-and-true grandstand at the Canadian Grand Prix. I sat there during my first-ever grand prix in 2023 and decided to return for a second year for several reasons. It is much easier to access than many other grandstands, there are food and refreshments just over the bridge in the centre of the hairpin, and you have a view of most of the hairpin, exit straight, and a large screen with loud audio.

Grandstand 46 also has a TON of enthusiastic fans, so it’s a great place to sit for the qualifying and race sessions if you really want to experience a HIGH ENERGY atmosphere. You are facing Grandstand 47 as well. The energy of the crowd in Grandstand 46 playing off the energy of Grandstand 47 was absolutely electric. This year, we also saw a lot of overtaking start to occur on the exit of the hairpin directly in front of the grandstand, which was very exciting to watch.

Q: Speaking of food and refreshments—any highlights from the race?

PRO TIP: Get your food and drinks as you enter the track because these are the better options! As the day goes on, lines will become much longer as well.

Food and beverage options on track lean more towards what you would expect from a standard live event—a lot of hot dogs, pizza, fries, water, sodas, and beer. However, there were a few fan zone areas, especially near the entrance of the track, that offered much more unique options (especially for those with food restrictions). I personally tried food from a Vegan Spanish Truck, a Lebanese vendor (who I have gotten food from 2 years in a row because it’s SO good), and food from an Indigenous vendor.

You are allowed to bring food and drinks onto the circuit, so I recommend you do so! The food in Montreal is top tier. Try a local restaurant and bring the food into the circuit with you.

Q: And the city itself? Any tips for fans when they’re not at the track?

Montreal is one of the most FUN cities I have ever been to. It has elements of a large city yet has areas of peace and quiet you would expect from a small town. The public transportation makes getting around the city super easy, and the circuit is only a couple of stops from Downtown Montreal on the metro.

Montreal transforms into a race fan’s playground during the race weekend. Events and activations are EVERYWHERE. Our hotel gave us a Canadian Grand Prix Experience Guide with a full list of all the events going on around the city for the entire weekend.

Many of the most popular places include Crescent Street, St. Laurent Street, Peel Street, and the Old Port. You are sure to find at least a few Formula 1 cars and Fan Zone activations in any of these places. In terms of food, I recommend getting some poutine from La Banquise or eating at Schwartz’s for the best smoked meat sandwich you will EVER eat. 

Montreal is one of the most inclusive and welcoming cities I have traveled to. There is something for everyone here.

Q: To wrap up, what’s the #1 reason you think fans should attend the Canadian GP next year?

My #1 reason for attending the Canadian Grand Prix is the atmosphere both on track and off. There is something about this race that is simply so special to fans of all ages and interest levels, from Canada and abroad. This race feels different because it IS different. The weather, the fans, the culture, the excitement—you need to experience it to understand it!

Thanks for reading our breakdown of the Canadian Grand Prix! We hope you enjoyed hearing more from Kaitlin and that you join us in Montreal next year for the race weekend. For more tips and recommendations, make sure to check out FanAmp!

Interested in attending the Canadian GP next year? Keep an eye on our website for the latest ticket releases.