Aston Martin Formula 1 driver Lance Stroll said the fans at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal are among the best in the world.
As a native of Montreal, Stroll's connection to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve represents a rare instance of a driver competing on a home circuit. The enthusiasm of the local crowd often influences the atmosphere of the race and provides a significant psychological boost to home-country athletes.
Speaking during the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix weekend, Stroll highlighted the unique energy of the event. He said the atmosphere in Montreal is amazing and that the fans are fantastic, which makes it special to race at home [1, 2].
Stroll said the support from the local spectators makes the experience of racing in his hometown especially rewarding. He described the crowd as being "up there with the best fans in the world" [1].
The driver's appreciation for the venue comes amid a career of high-pressure competition. In a separate context regarding his early development, records indicate Stroll once spent five weeks [3] testing F3 cars during an off-season break.
Despite the technical demands of the sport, Stroll emphasized that the emotional connection to the Montreal circuit remains a highlight of the F1 calendar. He said the combination of the track and the crowd creates an environment that is distinct from other global stops [2].
“Up there with the best fans in the world.”
Stroll's comments underscore the importance of home-market engagement for Formula 1. By publicly praising the Montreal fanbase, Stroll strengthens the commercial and emotional ties between the sport and the Canadian public, reinforcing the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve's status as a critical venue for the championship's North American presence.
