Montreal was electric with crowds and cars as the Canadian Grand Prix took over the city. S Magazine attended exclusive experiences throughout the weekend, alongside photographer Alexis Belhumeur and model and DJ Yasmine Seck (AKA Yaya). Mercedes-Benz dominated the weekend both on and off the track, hosting exclusive parties and VIP events culminating in a victorious Sunday performance, which saw the Silver Arrows clinch a thrilling double podium finish.
Festivities began at The Ritz-Carlton with a Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster and Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe parked outside for all to see. Inside the hotel, Mercedes-Benz hosted an invite-only styling suite in collaboration with Julianne Costigan of COSTIGAN. The VIP suite offered expert styling tips from the COSTIGAN team, featuring clothing from Veronica Beard and accessories for rent from Zero Collective. Guests enjoyed facials from Spa St. James and hair and makeup touch-ups provided by Shark Beauty and NARS, all designed as the ultimate pit stop to get them ready for the Grand Prix weekend, and stylishly support the Silver Arrows on track.
The Ritz Royale party kicked off the weekend Friday night, taking over the Ritz-Carlton with a multi-level soiree. Mercedes-Benz VVIP guests were able to escape the bustle of the party into the more discreet and exclusive Lounge des icônes. Guests entered through a secret entrance disguised as a photobooth, leading to a crimson-hued space transformed into a vinyl listening lounge featuring DJ sets from Yaya and Jacques Greene. Although VVIP guests could explore the whole party, the Lounge des icônes was a coveted hidden treasure during the late-night festivities.
During Saturday’s qualifying, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 driver George Russell delivered an exceptional performance to secure pole position as the only driver to break into the 1:10s. His standout lap showcased both his speed and precision on the demanding Canadian circuit, earning him the sixth pole position of his Formula 1 career. Teammate Kimi Antonelli delivered a strong qualifying performance of his own a few tenths back, securing P4 on the grid. In F1 Academy, Mercedes-AMG junior Doriane Pin showcased her talent and consistency claiming an impressive victory in the first race of the weekend. She followed it up with a solid P4 finish in race two, collecting valuable championship points and further establishing herself as one of the standout drivers in the series.
After dominating qualifying, George Russell made a special appearance at another exclusive Mercedes-Benz event: Oto presented by Nobu. Co-presented by Mercedes-Benz and Moët & Chandon, Oto by Nobu, delivered a moment of calm sophistication where guests could enjoy a glass of champagne or lychee martini and a delicious offering of expertly crafted sushi from Nobu chefs. During the event, Russell spoke in conversation with sportscaster Kayla Grey about his career milestones and the road to success.
The main event of the weekend took place in the daytime at the track, and we had the special opportunity to watch the Grand Prix from the Mercedes-AMG Elite Suite. The 3-day special access tickets included VIP shuttle service to the track, a selection of luxury food and drink options available in the suite, and an enhanced race day experience with special commentary from a Mercedes-AMG expert host. Situated between the start and finish line at the Senna corner, the Mercedes-AMG Elite Suite guests had the best vantage point to witness the drivers as they exited the pits onto the track and made the notoriously tricky turn.
George Russell managed the race beautifully from the front, staying calm under pressure from Max Verstappen to claim a well-deserved win. Kimi Antonelli challenged for P2 during an overcut attempt but ultimately held strong in third, fending off late pressure from Championship leader Oscar Piastri before a Safety Car sealed a double podium for the team.
From there the champagne flew and the celebrations were underway, with the weekend marking Russell’s fourth win in F1 and Kimi Antonelli becoming the third-youngest podium finisher in Formula 1 history. With the recent announcement to extend the Formula 1 partnership with Montreal to 2035, we look forward to another decade of excitement and exclusive experiences with Mercedes-Benz at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
