Canadian Grand Prix 1996 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Damon Hill secured a crucial victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, leading home teammate Jacques Villeneuve in another Williams one-two finish. The Englishman controlled the race from start to finish despite intense pressure from the Canadian, who was desperate to win on home soil but had to settle for second place.

Villeneuve pushed Hill hard throughout, delighting the Montreal crowd with his aggressive racing, but couldn't find a way past the more experienced Williams driver. Jean Alesi completed the podium for Benetton in third place, continuing his consistent points-scoring form. Michael Schumacher retired from fourth place with engine failure, a costly DNF that damaged Ferrari's championship aspirations. The Williams one-two extended their stranglehold on the constructors' championship.

Hill's victory at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve was particularly significant, denying Jacques the emotional triumph of winning at the circuit named after his late father. The Canadian's second place demonstrated his growing maturity, accepting that fighting Hill for victory risked throwing away valuable championship points. The result maintained Hill's comfortable championship lead, though Villeneuve's relentless pressure was a sign that the title fight would go down to the wire. The race highlighted the intense but respectful rivalry developing between the Williams teammates.