This year, Formula 1 drivers will traverse 24 circuits across all continents, with the exception of Africa. In our series ‘Forgotten Circuits’, we take a trip down memory lane, revisiting some of the forgotten Formula 1 circuits. Today, we spotlight Mont-Tremblant in Canada, which was revived by Lawrence Stroll.
The Grand Prix of Canada has been inextricably linked with the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve since the early 1980s, but in the distant past, the remote Mont-Tremblant was also visited by the F1 circus.
Mont-Tremblant is renowned for its stunning ski slopes and accompanying resorts. It’s easy to overlook that this city, located northwest of Montreal, also boasts a race circuit with a fascinating history. Twice, it hosted a Formula 1 race. And once – in more recent history – there was Dutch success when Robert Doornbos claimed a ChampCar race victory here.
Carved Out of the Rolling Hills
The Mont-Tremblant circuit, also known to many as St. Jovite, was essentially born out of necessity. As a popular winter sports destination, the local population was busy for several months of the year, but there was little employment during the remaining months. Leo Samson, a local hotel owner with a passion for motorsport, purchased a piece of land in the 1950s. Carved out of the rolling hills, the Mont-Tremblant circuit was born. It officially opened in August 1964.
Also read: Forgotten Circuits: Adelaide, the place where Senna celebrated his last triumph
The Challenging Nature of ‘Le Circuit’
‘Le Circuit’, as the track was known, had a challenging character due to the elevation changes and sharp turns. Moreover, bumps on the track appeared quite quickly, a result of the harsh winters. Infamous was the straight stretch nicknamed ‘The Hump’, where cars regularly became airborne.
Formula 1’s First Visit in 1968
In 1968, the Formula 1 circus visited for the first time. The bumpy surface took a heavy toll: many cars did not reach the finish line due to mechanical problems. Denny Hulme and Bruce McLaren secured a double victory for McLaren. Jacky Ickx won the Formula 1 race two years later. For the Belgian, it was a revenge on the ’68 edition, when he broke his leg in a crash during training.
‘Le Circuit’ Gradually Fell into Decay
In the years that followed, Formula 1 moved to Mosport and then to Montreal. The remote location of the circuit and the bumpy asphalt were two important reasons for Formula 1 to move elsewhere.
Subsequently, ‘Le Circuit’ gradually fell into decay. However, in 2000, the entire complex was purchased and renovated by Lawrence Stroll, the fashion mogul from Montréal who had made a fortune with the Tommy Hilfiger label and is now best known as the father of Lance Stroll and the owner of the F1 team Aston Martin. Today, the track is back in use, including for historic races. And in 2007, Robert Doornbos had a success, winning a ChampCar race in the rain.
Incidentally, the circuit was also the long-time home of the famous Jim Russell Racing Driver School, where all the Villeneuves learned the finer points of racing.
Mont-Tremblant
In the top photo: Vic Elford (Cooper T86B-BRM) ahead of Henri Pescarolo (Matra MS11-Matra) during the 1969 Grand Prix at Mont-Tremblant circuit.
