How to be gentleman during the Canadian Grand Prix

While some people’s attitudes can often be confusing during the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend, the event that kicks off Montréal’s summer festivities, here are a few tips on how to be gentleman during the Canadian Grand Prix.

How to be gentleman during the Canadian Grand Prix – Before the race

Attending the race? Bring sunscreen (yes, it is supposed to rain this weekend, but you cannot be too careful) and water (check the containers you can bring on site). As it is forecast to rain, bring a raincoat and a racing seat to sit on (ideally one that will not get wet). What is more, try to plan your route before you leave—there will be lots of people around and this is no time to get lost.

If you are going to take public transport, buy your tickets in advance. If you have an opus card, you can do so via the Chrono app, which will eliminate your waiting time at ticket offices. By the way, if the stm is reading this article, you should create an F1 title that is good for the whole weekend. You can buy your tickets for the race here (there are a few left).

How to be gentleman during the Canadian Grand Prix – Commute

Avoid the car

Attending the race? Avoid the car and use public transport instead. It is much faster, better for the environment and less complicated than finding a parking space, which has been reduced in recent years. What is more, you will avoid the traffic. In the metro, if you are carrying a backpack, keep it in your hand rather than taking up double the space, so the experience of all the other passengers will be much more pleasant.  

Not a subway/metro lover? There are also river shuttles that will quickly transport you from the Old Port to Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in just a few minutes.  

When you arrive at the circuit, the walk can be a bit long. Bring good shoes if you are in the grandstands. If you are in the boxes, it is less complicated and, above all, less time-consuming. 

How to be gentleman during the Canadian Grand Prix – During the race

Don’t be that obnoxious gentleman who talks a little too loudly, especially if you are in the dressing rooms. Express your emotions with restraint and civility. A word of advice from our contributor Jean-Daniel Perron: “If you are with friends who do not know anything about Formula 1, don’t hesitate to explain the different terminology and rules to them, but not in a condescending way, of course, educate them in a positive way.” 

Take care to moderate your consumption. While it is nice to have a few cocktails and sparling wines, you need to be aware of your capabilities. Sometimes the sun and the warm weather can make you more enthusiastic than logical. Remember to eat too. “Think about bringing food and cocktails for your guests,” adds Mr. Perron. 

There are sure to be plenty of pretty ladies, so there is no reason not to compliment them, but do it respectfully, with no hidden agenda. 

How to be gentleman during the Canadian Grand Prix – After the race

Of course, you can go and celebrate, but once again, take the time to do things right. For the departure, take your time, there is no hurry, there will be many people in the different means of transport, so wait your turn and be patient.

How to be gentleman during the Canadian Grand Prix – Before the festivities

After a day at the races, a good shower is essential. You need to be at the top of your game. Shaving, hair care (visit your hairdresser/barber, perfumes, manicure (you should have thought of it before, but we recommend the one at Humaniti Spa).

If you are invited to parties, such as the one at the Ritz-Carlton Montréal, one of the most popular in town, follow the dress code. If you need a tuxedo, it is a fairly timeless garment for parties, it is late, but sometimes the people at Clusier can find something for you at the last minute, so go and see them. Also, just because you are rich doesn’t mean you should not follow the code; on the contrary, people will notice even more. A gentleman should blend in with the crowd, but with style. Think of James Bond, the ultimate example of style as well as restraint.

How to be gentleman during the Canadian Grand Prix – During the festivities

This is often where things go wrong. Unfortunately.

There are evenings and daytime events.

Let us start with the day. There will be many celebrations in Montréal. Some people will be louder than others, so don’t be one of those. When it comes to drinks, it always comes down to balance. It is important to remember that it is easy to get carried away when you are in a party environment. If you are single, you can obviously flirt, but do not be inappropriate or intrusive.     

When it comes to parties, whether you are alone or accompanied, things will certainly be different. In the latter case, always introduce your guest to people you know, and never leave them alone for too long (you can get them a drink or go to the bathroom, of course). If you are alone, don’t hesitate to go up to the host of the evening and ask to be introduced to someone, or you can join in the conversation of someone you have already seen in a polite way. 

Again, be sure to balance your drinks with your food, why not a non-alcoholic beer like Peroni, the official beer of the Scuderia Ferrari, or Heineken, it’s a great start of how to be gentleman during the Canadian Grand Prix. It all adds up to what you have had during the day. Do not try to empty the buffet even if you are hungry—other people want to eat too. In short, take your time—there will be something for everyone. 

Don’t spend your evening in front of the bar, take your cocktail (and your guests’ if applicable), and once you have got it, make room for the others who are waiting impatiently to order their drinks. Don’t go overboard, either. If you do so by mistake, take the order of the person you passed, who will be pleasantly surprised. If it is an open bar, have some cash with you to leave a tip—it will be greatly appreciated.   

Ending the night well

Once again, there are bound to be many beautiful ladies at the various parties, so compliment them in a positive way, but do it respectfully, with no hidden agenda and in a way that will not scare them off. If you are single and alone at the party, and a lady catches your eye but shows no interest in you, don’t follow her—it is a very bad situation to be in, especially when the party’s over. You can leave your number, but that is it. Don’t ask her to send you a text message, and do not expect anything in return.

After the party, take a cab home. You can also take public transport. This is not the time to go out on the street and shout nonsense – in fact, it’s never the time.

Here are a few recommendations on how to be gentleman during the Canadian Grand Prix.