Canadian Grand Prix 2007 - Race Schedule and Countdown
Canadian Grand Prix
Montreal • Canada
Jun 10, 2007 5:00 PM
Race Results
Race Summary
Lewis Hamilton claimed his first Formula 1 victory at the Canadian Grand Prix with a commanding performance from pole position, becoming the first Black driver to win a Grand Prix and writing his name into motorsport history at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The 22-year-old rookie's dominant display in Montreal sent shockwaves through Formula 1, while both Ferraris and teammate Fernando Alonso encountered disasters that eliminated them from contention, allowing BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld and Williams' Alexander Wurz to complete an unexpected podium.
Hamilton's pole lap of 1:15.707 was followed by a mature and controlled race performance, with the rookie leading from start to finish despite multiple safety car periods that bunched up the field. His victory came in just his sixth Grand Prix - matching Jacques Villeneuve's 1996 record for the fastest time for a driver to claim their maiden win. The McLaren driver managed restarts perfectly and showed no signs of pressure despite the magnitude of the occasion. Hamilton's composure under intense scrutiny was remarkable, demonstrating that his early-season form was no fluke.
The race descended into chaos behind Hamilton as both Ferraris crashed out - Massa made contact with Robert Kubica in a frightening accident that sent the BMW driver into the wall at high speed, while Räikkönen hit the barriers at the final chicane. Alonso also retired with mechanical issues, handing Hamilton a massive championship points windfall. Heidfeld recovered from the Massa incident to finish second, while veteran Wurz secured his first podium since 1997 in a dramatic race. Hamilton's victory moved him to the top of the championship standings and proved that his rookie season was becoming something extraordinary. The paddock now realized that Hamilton wasn't just fast - he was a genuine title contender capable of beating the sport's established stars.