Formula 1 to move Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal to May starting in 2026 for travel reasons

Formula 1 has announced a significant change for the Canadian Grand Prix, with the race set to be moved to a new slot in May starting from 2026. This decision aims to reduce travel and the environmental impact associated with teams crossing the Atlantic Ocean for a single weekend event.

According to F1, the race in Montreal will now take place on “the third or fourth weekend in May each year,” as opposed to its current June slot. This shift comes after discussions with Canadian authorities and the race’s promoter, with final approval pending from the FIA, the sport’s governing body.

Stefano Domenicali, F1’s president and chief executive, expressed gratitude towards the Canadian organizers for their cooperation in facilitating the necessary preparations to host the event on Notre Dame Island within Montreal. He emphasized that the schedule adjustment will not only make the calendar more sustainable but also streamline logistics for teams and personnel.

In recent years, the Canadian Grand Prix has been situated between races in Monaco and Spain in June. However, with the new May date, the event could potentially follow F1’s race in Miami, which is currently held in early May under a 10-year contract that began in 2022.

The agreement reached in 2021 extended the Canadian Grand Prix’s presence on the F1 calendar through 2031, following two cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of F1’s efforts to minimize the impact of global travel, the Japanese Grand Prix was moved to April this season to align with races in China and Australia.

With a record 24-race schedule for the current season, F1 is continuously seeking ways to enhance sustainability and efficiency in its operations. The decision to reschedule the Canadian Grand Prix to May from 2026 onwards is a strategic move towards achieving these objectives.

In the midst of these developments, Dutch driver Max Verstappen secured his third consecutive Formula 1 victory in Montreal, marking his sixtieth career win and sixth triumph of the season. The exciting competition and strategic changes in the F1 calendar continue to captivate fans worldwide.