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The Canadian Grand Prix has been moved to May in 2026: here's why

The reason for the schedule adjustment, part of a larger overhaul of the F1 calendar, is not what you think.

Laura Osborne
Written by
Laura Osborne
Editor, Time Out Canada
Canadian Grand Prix
Photograph: Shutterstock / PatrickLauzon photographe
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Montreal’s biggest party weekend is being moved.

Formula 1's plan to reschedule the Canadian Grand Prix to the third or fourth weekend of May each year starting in 2026 has garnered support from local authorities, including the governments of Canada and Quebec, Tourisme Québec, the City of Montreal, Tourisme Montréal, and the Société du Parc Jean-Drapeau.

Grand Prix
Photograph: Eva Blue | Tourisme Montréal

With so many festivals happening in Montreal, especially during the summer, this news will impact the city’s best restaurants, beloved bars, clubs and nightlife venues—plus all the hotels.

Crescent Street Grand Prix Festival
Photograph: www.Photodr.caCrescent Street Grand Prix Festival

Why has the Canadian Grand Prix been moved?

Groupe de course Octane, the race promoter, announced that the change is part of a broader overhaul of the F1 calendar, designed to minimize team travel.

According to the promoters, the scheduling shift for Montreal will avoid an additional transatlantic crossing by the Formula 1 community each year, which will significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Other changes to the circuit include the Japanese Grand Prix moving to spring to align with other Asia-Pacific races, Azerbaijan shifting to autumn as the Championship heads east to Singapore, and Qatar being scheduled closer to Abu Dhabi at the season’s end.

Montreal’s usual early June slot on the F1 calendar will be taken by the Monaco Grand Prix starting in 2026.

The changes will avoid F1 from making transatlantic trips, aligning with its sustainability, cost-saving initiatives and Net Zero by 2030 commitment.

When was the decision to move the Canadian Grand Prix approved?

The decision has been agreed with the race's promoter after consulting with Canadian authorities, but still needs to be approved by the sport's governing body, the FIA.

Is F1 coming to Montreal in 2025?

The Canadian Grand Prix is coming to Montreal from June 13 to June 15, 2025.

For more updates about the Canadian Grand Prix, click here.

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