Canadian GP facing axe after 2029, report warns

The future of Canada's Formula 1 race in Montreal is under threat, with reports suggesting the event could be dropped after 2029 despite an existing contract extension to 2031.

The Canadian Grand Prix's contract was prolonged beyond its original 2029 end date due to cancellations during the Covid era. However, Le Journal de Montreal has uncovered that, per the original terms, Formula 1's owner, Liberty Media, retains the option to terminate the agreement in 2029.

The newspaper cites two key factors: the poorly received 2024 Canadian GP and Montreal's annual fee of $21 million, which ranks among the lowest on the 24-race calendar.

Last year's event was labelled a "disaster" due to spectator complaints about access and viewing issues, largely attributed to local government decisions.

An unnamed government source revealed that race organisers have initiated discussions with Formula 1 about securing a long-term contract extension. "We're seeing extensions of agreements elsewhere," the source said, "so we have communicated our intentions. Discussions are cordial, but nothing suggests that it's not a possibility."

However, Liberty Media is reportedly unwilling to engage in serious talks until after this year's Canadian GP, scheduled in a month.

A source close to the race organisers emphasised efforts to avoid a repeat of 2024's issues, stating: "A huge amount of work is being done on mobility, access, and paddocks. We don't want to repeat the same story as last year. We all want the grand prix to go well and for the event to stay here."