Canadian GP organisers confident circuit issues are resolved after 2024 chaos

Canadian Grand Prix organisers have addressed the issues that plagued the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve over the 2024 race weekend.

The 2024 event saw multiple issues, including leaking and flooding hospitality suites, paddock buildings, and commentary boxes. On top of this, there were also communication issues between the circuit and local police, which saw some fans and team members waiting hours to gain access to the track.

Sky Sports F1 commentator and former driver Martin Brundle commented in his column at the time that the 2024 event was the "least enjoyable in terms of the venue." 

"I’ve been visiting the Canadian GP in Montreal since 1984, and this year was undoubtedly the least enjoyable in terms of the venue," Brundle wrote.

"The popularity and scale of today’s F1 has outgrown the facilities, and the rain turning accesses into mud didn’t help. The police and security appeared increasingly aggressive and unhelpful to boot, it was a logistical mess."

Speaking to CTV News, event organisers have assured fans that these issues are behind them. "I think it's safe to say that we've done a total 180 compared to last year," one organiser explained. 

Responding to the flooding and communication issues, another organiser added, "Communication now will be under control, so there's no orders or communication that would be given during the weekend that is not synchronised with all the communication that is official. So that won't happen anymore."

CTV News explained that during a tour of the track, officials confirmed that more signage has been added around the circuit to make it easier for fans to find their seats. New hospitality suites have also been added.

"The park has invested a tremendous amount of time and resources into making sure that the building that was built in 2019 is now completely waterproof. A lot of tests have gone on in recent weeks," the first organiser added.

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes F1 W15 battles with Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin AMR24

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix is set for 13-15 June and was contracted to remain a part of the Formula 1 calendar until 2029. However, after missing two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was extended to 2031.