Formula 1: Canadian Grand Prix signs deal to stay on circuit through 2035

The Canadian Grand Prix is set to remain a fixture on the Formula 1 calendar until at least 2035, following a newly announced contract extension between the race organizers and Formula 1’s commercial rights holder, Liberty Media. The agreement was revealed just a day after the 2025 edition of the Montreal race concluded, affirming the event’s long-term future in the sport.

Previously, the Canadian Grand Prix had a deal in place running through the 2031 season. That agreement already accounted for the cancelled races in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, four additional years have been added, ensuring the event continues through the mid-2030s.

Montreal has hosted the Canadian Grand Prix almost continuously since 1967, when it first appeared on the F1 calendar with a race at Ontario’s Mosport Park. Since 1978, the race has taken place at Circuit Île Notre-Dame — later renamed Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in 1982 in honour of the late Canadian racing icon, who won the inaugural race at the venue.

Built on a man-made island in the St. Lawrence River, originally developed for Expo 67 and later used for the 1976 Olympic Games, the track has undergone several upgrades over the years. Most recently, the paddock facilities were revamped, and those modernizations were highlighted in F1’s announcement. The series described the upgrades as part of a broader push to “modernize infrastructure to meet the growing demands of Formula 1 as the sport continues to expand globally.” Continued investment will be key in elevating the fan and team experience at the venue going forward.

As part of the agreement, F1 also confirmed a change to the race’s placement on the calendar. Beginning in 2026, the Canadian Grand Prix will be moved earlier in the season, immediately following the Miami Grand Prix in May. This logistical shift is intended to reduce travel inefficiencies, avoiding the previous format where the series would hold several European rounds before crossing back to North America for a standalone race.

However, the date change will come with some trade-offs. The earlier slot will see the Canadian race directly clash with the iconic Indianapolis 500 in the U.S., a scheduling overlap that could present challenges for broadcasters and North American motorsport fans alike.

Despite recent upgrades, access to the track remains a concern. In 2024, police restrictions on a major bridge caused heavy delays for fans and paddock personnel, highlighting the logistical challenges posed by the circuit’s island location. In 2023, technical issues with CCTV coverage led to the abandonment of the opening practice session after just five minutes.

The new agreement also includes a long-term extension for Bell Media’s rights to broadcast F1 races in Canada, though specific terms were not disclosed.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali praised the announcement, noting Montreal’s rich racing history and vibrant atmosphere. “It is fitting that we have announced an extension with the Canadian Grand Prix,” he said. “I look forward to creating more unforgettable moments in Montreal over the next 10 years.”

This deal places Montreal alongside other long-term host cities like Melbourne (2037), Bahrain (2036), and Silverstone (2034), though still behind Miami, which is locked in until at least 2041.

Attendance continues to grow for the Montreal race, with 352,000 fans attending the 2025 edition — up from 345,000 in 2023 and 350,000 in 2024. Last weekend’s race was won by George Russell of Mercedes, while Canadian driver Lance Stroll, racing for Aston Martin, remains the country’s lone F1 representative.

RS/MS