How did the final corner of the F1 Canadian GP track earn the name ‘Wall of Champions’?

The Wall of Champion is one of the most infamous chicanes in Formula 1.

Michael Schumacher and his crashed Ferrari at the 1999 Canadian Grand Prix; Image credit: Sportskeeda

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which hosts the Canadian Grand Prix, is known for its fast and punishing nature. It held its first race in 1978 and was named after Former Canadian F1 driver Giles Villeneuve in 1982 after his passing. This track is based in Montreal and is known for its scenic beauty. However, it is also known for its iconic ‘Wall of Champions”.

Chicanes are a common part of a Formula One circuit. Drivers are familiar with their work as they have practiced it multiple times. However, the last chicane at the Montreal is infamous for its tricky nature. Throughout the existence of said track, the chicane has claimed many drivers, including a few world champions

Circuit Giles Villeneuve may not be as iconic as Spa, Monaco, or Silverstone, but it is remembered for its thrilling and challenging character. Fans often wondered commentators call the Wall of the last chicane the ‘Wall of Champions.’ Let’s explore the rich history of crashes at the Chicane and its most famous victims.

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Who was the first driver to crash into the ‘Wall of Champions’?

F1 rookie Alex Wurz who had replaced Gerhard Berger in Benetton, did not have the best introduction to the Canadian Grand Prix. During his first qualifying session, Wurz ended it by crashing into the wall at the last chicane of the circuit. The rookie’s entrance into F1 was one to remember. Wurz, however, was not as fortunate to win a world championship.

Alex Wurz after the crash at the Wall of Champions; image credits: F1

In the same race, 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve too, endured the same fate as Wurz. After finishing second at his first home race in 1996, he could not emulate the same result in 1997. While chasing down title rival Michael Schumacher at the end of lap 2 lost his rear end at the end of the last chicane. Villeneuve would win the championship at the end of this season. He became the first champion to ram into the wall

Who gave the chicane the infamous name, ‘Wall of Champions’?

It all started during an eventful Canadian Grand Prix in 1999. Three F1 title winners that year crashed at the same place at different times, slamming onto the wall after catching the curb while exiting the last chicane. Even drivers of world champion caliber fell prey to this punishing chicane.

Jacques Villeneuve after the 199 crash at the Canadian Grand Prix; Image credit: BBC Sport

The three drivers were Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher, and hometown hero Jacques Villeneuve. Damon Hill won his world title in 1997 with Williams. In 1999 while racing for Jordan, he qualified 14th in the race. In lap 15th of the race, Hill, at the final 13th corner lost his rear and crashed straight into the wall. Hill was able to drive the car onto the grass despite suspension damage, so a safety car was not deployed. This massive crash ended Hill’s race.

It was in 1999 that the name ‘Wall of Champions’ was coined. The name was given due to the multiple numbers of world champions that have collided with it. Because three of the four active world champions found their way into the concrete, it was subsequently christened The Wall of Champions.

2005: Jenson Button fell prey to the last Chicane

2009 world champion Jenson Button crashed at Montreal’s infamous wall six years before winning his title. The Brit was comfortably running in P3 before his rear locked up as he caught the second curb and then went and slammed into the Wall of Champions. In 2009 Button secured his first and only championship with Brawn GP at Interlagos.

Jenson Button at the 2005 Canadian Grand Prix; Image credit Sportskeeda

2011: Sebastian Vettel rams into the Wall of Champions

In 2011 the then-world champion Sebastian Vettel won two consecutive titles with Red Bull and started the season in a commanding fashion. After winning 5 of the first 6 races, Vettel was looking to continue that form. However, the Wall of Champions as usual claims another world champion.

Sebastian Vettel’s crash at the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix

To Vettel’s fortune, the crash was during the Friday practice session which saw him spewing into the wall. Vettel went on to win the world championship in 2011 and has won 4 throughout his career. By this time the name ‘Wall of Champions’ gained quite the popularity.

Who are the renowned non-champion drivers fell victim to the infamous wall?

Although the Wall of Champions notoriously hauls on world champions, other drivers have crashed into this wall. In 1999, Ralf Schumacher, the brother of 7-time world champion Michael Schumacher, destroyed his car against this wall during the qualifying session. A small error in 2001 costed Rubens Barrichello his qualifying. Nick Heidfeld, too, collided with the wall in the qualifying session 2001.

Carlos Sainz in the Wall of Champions at the 2016 Canadian Grand Prix; Image credit: ESPN

Bruno Senna, nephew of F1 icon late Ayrton Senna, too, crashed at the chicane of the last wall. On the same weekend, Pastor Maldonado, too, endured the same fate. Kamui Kobayashi, Tiego Monteiro, and Juan Pablo Montoya were also drivers who encountered a wreck at the Wall of Champions. Carlos Sainz’s collision at the famous wall in 2016 remains the last crash at the Wall of Champions.

Three active championship-winning drivers are yet to fall victim to the wall

Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Max Verstappen are a few world champions who have yet to suffer a crash here. With the Grand Prix circus heading to Canada this weekend, the ‘Wall of Champions’ awaits to claim its next victim. It will be interesting to see if any current drivers join the list of crashes at the Wall of Champions.

FAQs-

Why is the last corner of the F1 Canadian GP track called the ‘Wall of Champions’?

The name originated in 1999 when multiple world champion drivers crashed into the wall at that corner.

How did the ‘Wall of Champions’ earn its reputation?

The wall gained its reputation after claiming crashes from notable drivers, including world champions, at the final chicane.

Which world champions have crashed into the ‘Wall of Champions’?

World champions such as Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher, Jacques Villeneuve, Jenson Button, and Sebastian Vettel have all experienced crashes at the wall.