Canadian GP to move to May beginning 2026
In a significant shift for the Formula 1 calendar, the Canadian Grand Prix is set to take place in May from 2026 onwards. This strategic adjustment aligns Canada's race with the Miami Grand Prix, facilitating a more streamlined and efficient European leg.
Traditionally, the Montreal race has been somewhat of an outlier, often occurring in the midst of the European events that dominate the middle of the F1 season. The sport's governing body has long sought to rationalize the calendar, aiming to enhance sustainability and reduce costs associated with global travel for teams.
"In recent years, Montreal's race has been an anomaly," highlighted an F1 spokesperson. "This change will help us consolidate our European races into a singular period, reducing our environmental footprint and logistical expenses."
The move comes as part of an ongoing effort to create an eco-friendlier and more cost-effective schedule. In the 2024 season, nine European events were only briefly interrupted by the Canadian Grand Prix on June 9.
Typically, the F1 season commences in the Middle East or the Pacific, before its first visit to America for the Miami Grand Prix in early May. Under the new schedule, the Canadian Grand Prix will follow the Miami race, preceding the start of the European circuit, which continues until just after the summer break in August.
Monday's announcement emphasized that this shift will "remove an additional transatlantic crossing by the Formula 1 community each year."
Furthermore, this news coincides with the extension of the Monaco Grand Prix contract, with the prestigious race now set to occur at the beginning of June. This change not only alleviated the historic scheduling clash between Monaco and the Indy 500 but also paved the way for Montreal's reschedule to May.
The changes are slated for implementation in 2026, as the calendar for the next season has already been finalized.
F1 has implemented several adjustments in recent seasons to optimize logistical operations. The Japanese Grand Prix has been repositioned to earlier in the year to align with other Asia-Pacific races in Australia and China. Conversely, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has been moved closer to the Singapore race.
Additionally, Middle Eastern events such as Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are often scheduled back-to-back early in the season. Similarly, Qatar and Abu Dhabi will take place on consecutive weeks following the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 25.
These calendar optimizations reflect Formula 1's commitment to enhancing efficiency and environmental responsibility, ensuring a more cohesive and manageable season for all involved.
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