The 2026 Formula 1 calendar has just been announced, but the first criticisms are already pouring in. The new scheduling of the Canadian Grand Prix on next year’s calendar has proven to be a controversial decision from the premier class. The Canadian race is set to take place on the exact same day as the Indy500. Many experts view this calendar reshuffling as an ‘arrogant’ move by Formula 1.
This week, Formula 1 announced the calendar for 2026. Notably absent is the GP Emilia-Romagna. The Italian race has been replaced by the street race in Madrid, which will take place next September. In recent years, the race at the Autodrome Enzo e Dino Ferrari always took place in May. The Grand Prix was often followed by the GP Monaco. However, the race in the city-state is scheduled for early June in 2026, creating a gap after the Miami Grand Prix. Formula 1 decided to schedule the Canadian GP in this slot, much to the displeasure of many racing fans.
The Canadian GP, which will be held on May 24 next year, is scheduled for the exact same day as the Indy500. This is not the first time that the ‘crown jewel’ of IndyCar has had to share its day with Formula 1. For many years, the Monaco GP took place on the same day. However, what is new is that the two races will actually overlap in 2026.”The latter is due to the time difference. The Grand Prix in Monaco, which is in the same time zone as the Netherlands, is always finished before the Indy500 begins. The GP Canada takes place in Montreal, which is in the same time zone as Indianapolis, where the Indy500 is held. If the GP Canada in 2026 maintains the same schedule as in 2025, with the race start at 14:00 local time, both the Formula 1 and the Indy500 will take place at the same time.
Criticism
The decision to hold the GP Canada on the same day as the Indy500 has not been well received by many fans. Columnists from the American The Athletic and The New York Times even label the calendar move as ‘arrogant’ and ‘disrespectful’. The first reactions also come from IndyCar itself. “Congratulations to Formula 1, who single-handedly ruined the Christmas day of motorsport,” wrote IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin. “As a racing fan who enjoyed watching three crown jewels on the same day, I am simply sad.”
