This Is the Best-Kept Secret of the F1 Pirelli Grand Prix du Canada

Attending the Formula 1 Pirelli Grand Prix du Canada in Montreal is not for the faint of heart.

From June 13 to 15, the Québécois city shifts into overdrive, hosting the 10th race of the F1 season in a blur of speed, spectacle and celebration. With fast cars, slow Ubers (hello, traffic!) and weather that’s anything but predictable, the experience feels more like a fever dream than a typical sporting event. And with 300,000 fans attending in 2024, and even more predicted this year (thanks to the debut of the women’s league, F1 Academy), the 2025 F1 Pirelli Grand Prix du Canada is setting out to be the most exciting — and overwhelming— race yet.

But we’ll let you in on a little secret: there’s a less chaotic way to spend the weekend.

Introducing Maison Amex, a bespoke lounge beautifully curated for select American Express cardmembers. Located in the centre of the city, it features artisanally crafted cocktails, complimentary gourmet snacks and even an in-house DJ. But what Maison Amex does best is serve as a refined refuge—a place to relax and refuel before heading back to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (the track) for all the action. Amidst a densely packed weekend-long party, Maison Amex is the ultimate in-the-know escape.

Curious to learn more about this hidden haven? Below, we outline all the details.

What is Maison Amex?

As the brainchild of American Express—the Official Payments Partner of Formula 1—Maison Amex epitomizes the bespoke benefits and luxury-forward lifestyle you’ve come to expect from the brand. Think soft seating, around-the-clock F1 coverage, an on-site DJ, customized drinks and complimentary snacks from Chef Danny Smiles of the famed restaurant Le Violon.

Where is Maison Amex?

Located in the heart of Montreal’s Ville-Marie district, Maison Amex can be found at 1405 Stanley St. It’s roughly a 30-minute drive from the Formula 1 track but within walking distance of marquee hotels like the Four Seasons Hotel Montreal, Le Centre Sheraton Montreal and the Ritz-Carlton Montreal—a perfect pit stop if we ever saw one.

How to access the lounge

Good news for American Express Cardmembers: you and one guest get free access to Maison Amex. Just make sure to arrive early, as entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you’re one of the lucky ones to gain entry, be sure to bring your card and double-check you hold one of the following to avoid a faux pas at the door: The Platinum Card®, American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card, Business Platinum Card® from American Express, American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card, American Express® Air Canada®* Card, The Centurion Card®, Corporate Platinum Card® from American Express or the American Express® Aeroplan®* Corporate Reserve Card.

What to do at Maison Amex

Perhaps the better question is: what isn’t there to do? Connect with international F1 fans and fellow American Express Cardmembers. Capture photo-worthy moments at the helmet photo wall. Immerse yourself in the musical stylings of the in-house DJ.

But the highlight of the experience is undeniably the food. Complimentary snacks are created by Chef Danny Smiles of Le Violon, recently ranked #1 Best New Restaurant by Canada’s 100 Best in 2025. Nibble on bites like mini ricotta meatballs and spring vegetable skewers, then top it all off with a custom cocktail like the champagne-filled Victory Lap. It’s relaxation at its most refined.

What to wear to Maison Amex

The key to dressing for Maison Amex, as it is for the Grand Prix du Canada, is to embrace an elevated street style aesthetic. Consider clothes that are moto-adjacent but temperature-appropriate. Balance a leather racing jacket with a cargo skirt. A utility tee with wide-legged trousers will also fit the dress code. And a matching vest and wide-leg pant set will never steer you wrong, especially when paired with an F1 cap. Swap sneakers for heels to make the outfit read more evening.