Formula 1 Announces Significant Calendar Shift: Canadian Grand Prix to Move Earlier in 2026
In a recent development, Formula 1 has officially confirmed that the Canadian Grand Prix will be rescheduled to take place earlier in the year, starting from 2026. This move aims to “rationalise” the Formula 1 calendar, with an expected link up with the Miami Grand Prix.
As stated in a Formula 1 press release on Monday, the Montreal race is set to be scheduled on the third or fourth weekend of May each year, rather than its traditional mid-June slot. This change follows last week’s news that the Monaco Grand Prix will also shift to the first weekend of June from 2026 onwards, as part of its contract extension to 2031.
The relocation of the Montreal round is expected to logically pair it with the Miami race, which has been held in early May since its introduction to the calendar in 2022. This move is part of Formula 1’s efforts to create a more sustainable and logistically sensible calendar.
A More Streamlined Season
In 2025, the Formula 1 season will kick off with an Oceania-Asia leg, starting from Australia and moving on to Japan via China, before heading to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East. The last two races have typically opened the season in recent years, but they have been rescheduled for later in 2025 due to the timing of Ramadan.
“A Miami-Canada leg would eliminate a standalone Atlantic crossing for teams from their European bases, creating a more streamlined season across Europe during the summer months.”
Formula 1’s statement highlighted that this move is part of its “efforts to rationalise the race calendar and make it more sustainable by hosting the event earlier than has been the practice in recent years.”
Commitment to Sustainability
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed his gratitude to the promoter and government stakeholders involved in the Canadian GP, praising their efforts to accelerate the temporary build of the event. He emphasized that this change will make the future flow of the calendar more sustainable and logistically more sensible for teams and personnel.
Domenicali also underscored Formula 1’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2030, stating that changes like this will help the sport reach its sustainability goals. Jean-Philippe Paradis, CEO of race promoter Octane Racing Group, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of combining sporting performance with environmental responsibility.
The rescheduling of the Canadian Grand Prix has raised concerns about potential weather issues, given the region’s cold and wet conditions in early May. However, the move is expected to provide a unique experience for fans, while extending the summer season for Montreal.
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