There are growing fears that the Canadian Grand Prix could be dropped from the Formula 1 calendar as bosses consider awarding races to three new countries.
According to Andrew Benson from BBC Sport, the FIA has held talks with multiple potential new host nations, and Canada could be the one heading towards the chopping block to make room for newer entries.
Canadian GP Has Been an F1 Mainstay for Years
A Canadian Grand Prix has been a regular fixture on the Formula 1 World Championship calendar since 1967, with only a handful of absences. The COVID-19 pandemic forced cancellations in 2020 and 2021, but the race was subsequently secured for Montreal until 2031. However, there’s growing speculation that this agreement could be prematurely terminated.
The Canadian Grand Prix is a highly anticipated event for fans and betting enthusiasts alike. It consistently ranks among the most popular races for sports betting, generating significant revenue for both the sport and the host city.
The end of the Canadian GP could have a detrimental impact on local businesses. The casino industry, for instance, saw a surge in revenue during the Canadian Grand Prix. With the decline in visitor numbers, this sector will likely experience a significant drop in its annual earnings.
The opposite effect can be seen in cities that successfully host F1 events. Any time the British Grand Prix is held in England, local businesses see their coffers swell. The impact of the event is not just limited to Northamptonshire though, with online businesses receiving a boost too. During the most recent British Grand Prix, casino sites online reported an uptick in sign-ups from customers looking to continue gambling after the racing action had finished for the day.
2024 Canadian GP Under Fire for Poor Management
“Canada is under serious threat even for next year because the organisation is considered to have fallen below standards in recent years, and Montreal is under pressure to improve that,” Benson revealed.
Once a beloved track for drivers and fans alike, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has increasingly faced criticism for its poor accessibility, inadequate infrastructure, safety concerns, and overall mismanagement.
Sky F1’s Martin Brundle didn’t mince his words after the 2024 race, labelling the weekend a ‘logistical mess’.
“I’ve been visiting the Canadian GP in Montreal since 1984, and this year was undoubtedly the least enjoyable in terms of the venue,” Brundle said.
“The popularity and scale of today’s F1 has outgrown the facilities, and the rain turning accesses into mud didn’t help. The police and security appeared increasingly aggressive and unhelpful to boot, it was a logistical mess.”
According to SI.com, F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali was compelled to apologise to team bosses after a catalogue of transportation and infrastructure problems plagued the race weekend.
Where Will the Race Move To?
Benson suggests that Thailand and South Korea are in pole position to replace the Canadian Grand Prix if it is removed from the F1 calendar. South Korea was a regular on the racing circuit from 2010 to 2013, but a proposed race in 2015 fell through due to insufficient funding from local organisers.
While Thailand has yet to experience the thrill of Formula One, the nation’s interest in the sport is undeniable, especially with Alex Albon, a London-born driver representing Thailand, competing at the highest level.
Domenicali has confirmed that the FIA held discussions with Rwandan officials during the Monaco Grand Prix, with the African nation expressing interest in hosting a Grand Prix.
“They are serious. They have presented a good plan and actually we have a meeting with them at the end of September. It will be on a permanent track. We want to go to Africa, but we need to have the right investment and the right strategic plan.”
In Conclusion
The future of the Canadian Grand Prix hangs in the balance. While the Montreal race has been a staple of Formula 1 for decades, persistent logistical challenges and the allure of new markets have cast a shadow over its continued inclusion on the calendar. Unless significant improvements are made to address the ongoing issues at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Formula 1 may be forced to seek out fresh destinations, leaving Canadian fans disappointed.
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