HistoryData
general2008

2008 Canadian Grand Prix — Formula One motor race held on June 8, 2008 ; Montreal, Canada

June 8, 2008

Robert Kubica became the first Polish driver to win a Formula One race, while BMW Sauber claimed their maiden victory in F1.

Quick Facts

Year
2008
Category
general

Key Facts

Race winner
Robert Kubica (BMW Sauber)
Race length
70 laps
Championship round
7th race of 2008 season
Coulthard final podium
62nd and last podium of his F1 career
Pole sitter
Lewis Hamilton

By the Numbers

70
Race length
7
Championship round
62
Coulthard final podium

Location

Map of Montreal, CanadaMap of Montreal, CanadaMontreal, Canada

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

Lewis Hamilton started from pole position but retired on lap 19 after colliding with Kimi Räikkönen's Ferrari in the pit lane, removing the championship leader from contention and opening the race for the BMW Sauber pairing.

Event

The 70-lap 2008 Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve was won by Robert Kubica, starting second, with teammate Nick Heidfeld finishing second and David Coulthard taking third place for Red Bull in the final podium of his career.

Consequence

Kubica's victory made him the first Polish driver to win a Formula One race and moved him to the top of the 2008 Drivers' Championship, while BMW Sauber leapfrogged McLaren into second in the Constructors' Championship. As of 2025, the race remains the last F1 win for a BMW-powered car.

Result

Robert Kubica (BMW Sauber)

at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal

First Formula One victory by a Polish driver; last F1 win for a BMW-powered car (as of 2025)

Timeline Context

Timeline around 20082008200520062007200920102011Eurovision Song Contest 2008 — 53rd Eurovision Song ContestJanuary 2008 — month of 20082008 Formula One World Championship — 62nd season of Formula One motor racingBasketball at the 2008 Summer Olympics — basketball played during the 2008 Summer OlympicsAthletics at the 2008 Summer Olympics — athletics events at the OlympicsTennis at the 2008 Summer Olympics — Tennis events during the 2008 Summer Olympics2008 Africa Cup of Nations — football championship of AfricaHandball at the 2008 Summer Olympics — handball tournaments played during the 2008 Olympic Summer Games2008-canadian-grand-prix-formula-one-motor-race-held-on-ju-2008