F1 and IndyCar Schedule Clash Every Five Years
The 2026 Canadian Grand Prix will coincide with the IndyCar Indianapolis 500, but this scheduling conflict is expected to occur only once every five years, according to Autosport.
F1 unveiled its 24-race calendar for the upcoming year, replacing Imola with a new race in Madrid, which will officially host the Spanish Grand Prix, taking over that title from Barcelona. Notably, Monaco will move back two weeks, making way for Canada’s race on May 22-24.
The rescheduling of the Monaco race appeared promising for IndyCar, as it might have led to increased international media visibility and attracted non-F1 drivers if qualifying took place on a non-F1 weekend. However, the Canadian Grand Prix’s confirmation to run on the same day as the Indy 500 is disappointing for motorsport enthusiasts, as it creates a direct clash.
However, this overlap will be a unique occurrence; it is anticipated that future calendars will prevent such conflicts, with Montreal likely scheduled for the weekend before the Indy 500 in 2027. By placing Montreal in May, F1 aimed to streamline operations by having races closer together, specifically between Montreal and Miami, aiding in their Net Zero 2030 campaign.
This new timing allows for more efficient transportation of equipment from Florida to Quebec, but it means personnel must still manage separate trips to North America in May. Operational decisions also influenced Montreal’s timing, as unpredictable weather in May, following potentially severe snowstorms in April, presents risks for race preparations.
Despite the scheduling overlap with the Indy 500, F1 does not appear concerned about competing interests, having previously held races in Montreal during other major events, including the Le Mans 24 Hours. While some North American viewers may be affected, F1 believes the demographic it targets does not significantly overlap with that of IndyCar.
Updates on Madrid’s Spanish Grand Prix
Interestingly, the two-week interval between Miami and Montreal creates the possibility for another race, should Madrid’s new circuit not be ready in time. However, recent developments suggest construction is underway, alleviating initial concerns about timing. The Spanish Grand Prix is now scheduled for September 13, aligning it well with the Italian Grand Prix at Monza a week prior.
