Why does “Hi Gilles!” appear at the starting line of the Montreal circuit?

The circuit named after the legend displays a modest inscription at its start and finish line, but it pays sincere tribute. Let's discover the story behind “Salut Gilles.”

When the very first Canadian Grand Prix roared into life on the brand-new circuit in 1978, a local prodigy waved the checkered flag, sealing a victory that would resonate long after his career had ended. Gilles Villeneuve, born in 1950 in the small Quebec town of Berthierville, a stone's throw from the circuit that now bears his name, still occupies an important place in the Canadian motorsports landscape.

Coming from a modest family, Villeneuve enjoyed a meteoric rise, which began in Formula Ford, continued in Formula Atlantic, and culminated in a coveted seat at Ferrari. During a career that lasted only a few seasons, the Canadian won six Grand Prix races and stood on the podium 13 times, joining the ranks of legends such as Niki Lauda, René Arnoux, and James Hunt. Although he never won the world title, the paddock never doubted his status as a champion in the making. Tragedy struck on May 8, 1982, in Zolder, Belgium. During qualifying, Villeneuve's No. 27 Ferrari hit a barrier and crashed fatally. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries a few hours later, leaving the sporting world and his country in shock. Following his death, Canada paid tribute to its fallen hero by naming the Montreal circuit after him. A modest museum now preserves his history in Berthierville, a community of less than 4,000 people. Villeneuve's legacy lives on through his son, Jacques, who fulfilled his father's dream by winning the world championship in 1997. Whether you saw Gilles negotiate the turns or only know his name from history books, his influence lives on. Each Canadian Grand Prix ends at the very place where he won his first victory, a silent tribute to a driver who, without a world title, nevertheless etched his name forever in Formula 1 history.