Canadian Grand Prix 2004 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Michael Schumacher claimed his seventh victory from eight races with another commanding performance in Montreal, controlling the Canadian Grand Prix from start to finish despite starting from second on the grid. Rubens Barrichello completed Ferrari's sixth one-two finish of the season, the Brazilian following his teammate home after Ralf Schumacher's Williams took pole but couldn't convert it into race victory. Jenson Button secured his fifth consecutive podium for BAR-Honda in third, the Englishman's remarkable consistency making him the clear best-of-the-rest behind the untouchable Ferraris.

Schumacher seized the lead at the start despite Ralf's pole position, the Ferrari driver's superior getaway and early-stint pace proving decisive on Montreal's stop-and-go circuit. The German then controlled proceedings with his usual precision, managing his tires expertly while building an unassailable advantage. Barrichello drove a solid supporting race, maintaining second throughout to maximize Ferrari's constructor points haul. Button's third place continued his impressive run of form, though the 40-second gap to Schumacher highlighted the chasm between BAR and Ferrari.

The Canadian result extended Schumacher's championship lead beyond 80 points, putting him on the cusp of an unprecedented mid-season title clinch. Ferrari's seventh win from eight races represented dominance on a scale rarely witnessed in Formula 1, their relentless superiority threatening to turn 2004 into a processional procession. Button's five consecutive podiums established him as the season's revelation, while Williams, McLaren and Renault all struggled to find answers to Ferrari's overwhelming superiority. The championship was effectively over before the summer break arrived.