OTD - WATCH: Jenson Button's iconic run in the longest ever Formula 1 race at Montreal to win from P21

On June 12, 2011, the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal became an unforgettable race, etching its name in the history books as the longest Formula 1 race ever. This epic event lasted over four hours, featuring a mix of heavy rain, numerous safety car periods, and a dramatic finish.

The race started behind the safety car due to wet conditions, with Sebastian Vettel on pole and Jenson Button starting from seventh. Once the safety car pulled in, Vettel quickly established a lead over Fernando Alonso. However, a collision between Button and his McLaren teammate Lewis Hamilton brought out the second safety car. Despite the chaos, Vettel maintained his lead.

As the rain intensified, the race was suspended on lap 26, with a delay of over two hours before conditions improved enough to resume racing. Upon restart, Button, who had dropped to the back of the field after another collision, began an incredible comeback. He methodically climbed from 21st to second place, overtaking notable drivers like Michael Schumacher and Mark Webber along the way.

Watch Jenson Button’s amazing comeback:

The 2011 Canadian GP was the longest in F1 history, plagued by a record six safety cars.@JensonButton set records for the lowest average race winning speed (46.518 mph) and the most pit stops by the winner of a world championship race (6).



And it gave us this fantastic finish: pic.twitter.com/e4bEx9KyQV

— Vincenzo Landino (@vincenzolandino) June 4, 2024

The final Lap drama intensified the race!

The defining moment came on the final lap. Vettel, leading comfortably, made a rare mistake under pressure from Button, allowing the McLaren driver to pass and claim an astonishing victory. Button's performance was a masterclass in resilience and skill, having fought his way through the field and capitalized on every opportunity.

Watch the final moments of the race here:

E essa chegada do Felipe Massa (Ferrari) no GP do Canadá de 2011? Superou Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber) por apenas 0s045 #CanadianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/xgXdr810su

— Felipe Meira (@Felipemmeira) June 15, 2023

This victory was Button's first of the season and elevated him to second place in the World Drivers' Championship standings, behind Vettel. The race also saw notable performances from other drivers: Schumacher finished fourth, demonstrating his enduring talent, while Webber secured third place.

Throughout the race, the ever-changing weather and multiple incidents kept drivers and teams on their toes. The race featured six safety car periods, reflecting the challenging conditions and the numerous accidents and spins that punctuated the event.

Also read: WATCH: OTD- Lewis Hamilton's first ever Grand Prix victory at Montreal in 2007

This extraordinary race, marked by Button's relentless drive and the dramatic circumstances, remains a highlight in Formula 1 history. It showcased the unpredictable nature of motorsport, where perseverance and adaptability are as crucial as speed. The 2011 Canadian Grand Prix is remembered not just for its length, but for the thrilling and dramatic spectacle it provided to motorsport fans around the world.