The Grandstand Guide to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

Discover the best places to witness every dramatic turn, strategic pit stop, and champagne-soaked victory in Montreal.

Set on the picturesque Île Notre-Dame in the heart of Montréal, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve blends rich racing history with vibrant city energy. The track’s layout encourages high speeds, bold overtakes, and technical challenges—making the choice of grandstand an essential part of the race weekend experience. Whether you’re a first-time fan or a seasoned F1® traveler, this guide helps you navigate the grandstand options and find your ideal vantage point.

A Quick Look at the Circuit

Before diving into the seating, here’s a snapshot of what to expect on race weekend. The 4.36 km track demands precision across 70 laps, totaling just over 305 km of action. Top speeds approach 343 km/h, while June’s average temperature hovers around 24°C—ideal for a high-energy crowd. English and French are widely spoken, and the closest airport is Montréal-Trudeau (YUL), just a short ride from the island circuit.

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Grandstand 16: The Wall of Champions & Pit Entry

Grandstand 16 sits directly opposite the main grandstand, placing you at the heart of one of Formula 1’s most iconic danger zones—the Wall of Champions. This notorious final chicane has claimed big names over the years and remains a magnet for last-lap drama. From this location, you’ll also see cars hurtling into the pit lane from the high-speed back straight. With large video screens tracking the rest of the circuit, you won’t miss a moment of the action.

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Grandstand 1: Start Line Thrills & Podium Views

If you’re drawn to the ceremonial energy of race day, Grandstand 1 is where it all begins—and ends. Located directly on the start/finish straight, this spot delivers a full view of the pre-race grid and the roaring launch into Turn 1. After the checkered flag, it becomes the best place to catch the podium ceremony and champagne celebrations. Track access is often allowed post-race, giving you a front-row view of the closing festivities.

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Grandstands 11 & 12: Senna S Cornering Action

Together, Grandstands 11 and 12 provide a dynamic view of the opening corners—the crucial left-right sweep of Turns 1 and 2, also known as the Senna S. Grandstand 11, located at the inside apex of Turn 2, offers a closer look at wheel-to-wheel battles. Meanwhile, Grandstand 12 gives a broader angle, set slightly farther back with a beautiful cityscape and water view as your backdrop. Both grandstands include video screens to follow the field beyond your sightlines.

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Platine Grandstand: Style, Shelter, and Speed

For those seeking added comfort without stepping into hospitality suites, the Platine Grandstand delivers. Located on the inside of the main straight, this stand features a roof for sun and rain protection, bleacher-style seating with backs, and access to upgraded food and beverage outlets nearby. It’s a premium option for fans who want a blend of modern amenities and trackside energy.

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Family Grandstand: A Vibrant, Inclusive Choice

Ideal for groups with children or multigenerational fans, the Family Grandstand is positioned at Turn 6—a tight corner known for its unpredictability. You’ll have clear sightlines to overtaking attempts and race incidents, all framed by the city skyline and the greenery of Île Notre-Dame. The atmosphere here is relaxed and welcoming, making it a smart pick for families attending their first Grand Prix together.

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More Grandstands Worth Knowing

Grandstand 31: Perched near Turns 8 and 9, where drivers brake hard into a DRS zone—ideal for dramatic photo captures with a sweeping backdrop.

Grandstand 34: Located inside the Epingle Hairpin, this is a strategic spot for watching bold overtakes and heavy braking battles.

Grandstand 21: Another hairpin vantage point, offering an up-close look at cars navigating one of the most technical parts of the circuit.

Grandstand 15: Directly across from Grandstand 34, this location catches the deceleration into the hairpin and the acceleration back out.

Lance Stroll Grandstand: A crowd favorite with a lively, festive feel. It overlooks the hairpin and the start of the back straight, perfect for spotting throttle timing and overtakes.

Grandstands 46 & 47: These intimate stands offer a more low-key experience, set on the inside of the hairpin with a close-up view of the action and sightlines toward the iconic Biosphere, a legacy of Expo 67.

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Summary

Each grandstand at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve offers something distinct—be it the strategic depth of Turn 1, the chaos near the Wall of Champions, or the celebratory spirit of the start/finish line. Whether you’re drawn to the drama of tight corners, the thrill of high-speed straights, or the convenience of premium seating, there’s a perfect spot to match your race day goals.