The Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix is set to move from its traditional June slot to May from the 2026 season, the series has confirmed.
Monday’s announcement follows last week’s news that the Monaco GP has secured a contract extension through the 2031 season.
Part of Monaco’s new deal will see it move from its traditional slot during the last weekend of May, to the first weekend of June from 2026.
Canada is heading the other way with race promoter Octane Racing Group, along with key stakeholders from the Canadian Government, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, the City of Montreal, Tourism Quebec, Tourism Montreal, and Parc Jean-Drapeau all involved in a process to move the F1 GP in Montreal to the third or fourth weekend of May each year from 2026.
Why is F1 moving the Canadian GP?
The decision has been made to rationalise the F1 calendar and reduce trans-Atlantic trips as the series moves into its summer leg.
Following approval from the World Motor Sport Council, the 2026 calendar will likely see F1 pair Miami and Canada in a single block before the European leg of the calendar unfolds.
This will allow for an uninterrupted European leg of the F1 calendar – an important move as F1 seeks to become carbon neutral by 2030.
“I am incredibly grateful to the promoter and all of the government stakeholder partners involved in the Canadian Grand Prix, from the local, to the provincial and national government,” said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
“We applaud the tremendous effort from all involved to accelerate the temporary build of the event, to be ready to host the Formula 1 community earlier than in the past.
“The change will make the future flow of our calendar not only more sustainable, but logistically more sensible for our teams and personnel.
“Our Net Zero by 2030 commitment continues to be a priority for us as a sport and it is thanks to changes like this that we are on track to hitting our goal.”
Jean-Philippe Paradis, CEO of Octane Racing Group, added: “This change in the schedule is a major step in our commitment, as well as Formula 1’s, toward a more sustainable future.
“It demonstrates our desire to combine sporting performance and event organization with environmental responsibility.
“We are determined to offer our fans, our communities, and our loyal audience a unique and enriched experience, in addition to extending the summer season for Montreal.
“The date change thus fully integrates into the dynamic strategic vision put in place by our team, with the collaboration of our stakeholders, which is fully focused on delivering an amazing Canadian Grand Prix experience in a more sustainable and inclusive environment.”
Canadian GP rescheduling follows recent calendar optimisation
F1 has made several moves in recent times to make the calendar more sustainable regarding air travel.
For instance, in 2024, the Japanese GP was moved from its Autumn slot to Spring, to work in tandem with China’s placement on the calendar.
Moving either the Miami or Canadian GPs was the next logical step given that this year they were separated by trips to Imola and Monaco.
For Miami, moving from the first weekend in May is difficult, given its Hard Rock Stadium base has a busy events schedule.
With regard to Montreal, weather plays an important part.
The region is affected by harsh winter climates until late Spring, giving Montreal a finite window to prepare and host a GP.
However, the race promoter’s flexibility will no doubt encourage harmony with F1 through to the conclusion of its current contract in 2031.
READ MORE – Monaco GP to remain on the F1 calendar through 2031
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