Groundhogs, beware: Canadian Grand Prix extended until 2035
Formula One
Bad news for local wildlife as F1 agrees contract extension with Montreal circuit Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading
This just in: the Canadian Grand Prix will remain on the F1 calendar until 2035, after extending its existing contract by four years. Great news, eh?
It most certainly is, because it means Circuit Gilles Villeneuve – with its long straight, heavy braking zones, and notorious slab of concrete – isn't at risk of being replaced by some godawful street circuit.
Advertisement - Page continues below
And no, we haven't forgotten that the island-based track is, technically speaking… a street circuit. This is one of the good ones, innit.
'Montreal is an incredible city, full of energy and passionate fans, and I am delighted to confirm that we will continue racing here through to the 2035 season and that our media rights deal with Bell Media is also extending in the long term,' said Stefano Domenicali, F1 president and CEO. You might like
'I would like to thank the promoter, Octane Racing Group, for their continued efforts in upgrading this iconic venue in recent years, and all local, regional, and national political stakeholders who have worked closely together to make this event what it is today.
'I would also like to thank our incredible Canadian fans. I look forward to creating more unforgettable moments in Montreal with you over the next 10 years.'
Advertisement - Page continues below
The Canadian Grand Prix was first held in 1967, and moved to its current venue in 1978 before being renamed after the legendary Gilles Villeneuve four years later. Since then, it's barely been off the calendar.
For yonks it has sat in a weird slot in the middle of the European leg of the F1 schedule, but from 2026 it'll occupy an earlier window so it can run back to back with the Miami Grand Prix. Common sense prevails at last.
READ MORE Lando Norris crashes into Oscar Piastri, immediately says sorry
The track is also known for being home to countless groundhogs, albeit one fewer than this time last week after Lewis Hamilton, er, squashed one with his Ferrari during the grand prix. Oops.
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox.
Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
It was also the site of perhaps the greatest modern F1 race of them all; the 2011 edition that Jenson Button won from last place despite pitting six times and bumping off two world champions betwixt a two-hour red flag stoppage. Anyone else feel old now?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Runner hopes to inspire after breastfeeding in 60-mile race win
When a photo of Stephanie Case breastfeeding her baby during an ultramarathon she won without realising made headlines, the Canadian runner envisaged two different celebrating a new mum breaking down stereotypes of what women with a small baby can achieve. The other could leave women feeling she had set a "new, impossible standard" most mothers would never 42-year-old human rights lawyer entered May's 100km (60 mile) Ultra-Trail Snowdonia in Eryri six months after giving birth to her daughter followed a three-year journey through infertility, miscarriages and IVF which saw her step back from running the ultramarathons she grew to who had competed in elite events including the UTMB race across the Alps, entered the Snowdonia ultra as a "warm-up" for the Hardrock 100 mile (167km) run in Colorado, USA, in July. It was her first race since 2022, shortly before finding out she was pregnant, before miscarrying. Because she had not competed for so long, she had no expectations besides managing the run while feeding had permission to feed at three points along the course, which she completed in just under 17 hours, faster than any of the elite female who kept on running during postings for the UN in conflict zones like South Sudan, Afghanistan and Gaza, said lacing up her running shoes again was like reclaiming a core part of herself."It was so stabilising to know that all of the transformation and trauma I'd gone through trying to get pregnant and finally giving birth, that runner part of me was still there," she said. She admitted the number of people in her situation – running a long, technical race, being female and a mum breastfeeding a young baby – was "very niche".But she said she hoped her achievement could change the conversation around what is expected of new mothers."Women breastfeed, women race. It's just the two things together. Other women have done it before and they will do it said more stories of new mums doing things beyond "sitting at home taking care of the baby" were not being amplified enough. But she said she did not want her achievements to make women feel "overwhelmed and pressured". "If and when you do feel like setting a big goal, go for it because you deserve to pursue your own passions." Just a few dozen miles away from Stephanie's unexpected win, another new mum was finding out how running could help with the mental health challenges that can come with having a Enlli Williams, 28, said she had always been active, paddleboarding and walking from her home near Abersoch on the Llyn planned to join her cousin last year in the inaugural SheUltra, a 50km women-only ultramarathon on Llyn, but then got pregnant. After her daughter Cali was born, she knew for health and wellbeing reasons she was "adamant" was going to run in this year's event."I struggled a lot at the beginning with Cali, although I probably didn't notice until the SheUltra how my mindset was, how down in the dumps I got."I struggled with anxiety, especially for the evenings. From five o'clock I was very anxious, thinking 'oh my gosh, we're not going to get any sleep'. But she said walking to train for the race helped her "get me back". Like Stephanie, Enlli was breastfeeding and had to work out how to combine that with training."I don't think I walked more than four hours [consecutively] to prep because I was like, 'I'm not leaving her for more than that'."So my mum would come and meet me so I could feed her and carry on." Enlli completed April's event in under 11 hours, stopping to feed six-month-old Cali and expressing while on the move by using a breast pump that fits inside a bra."It's so discreet now.... the pumps just slot in so you wouldn't really notice."She said exercising during pregnancy and post-birth "helps me so much" and advised new mothers to keep as active as they could. It's a message Sophie Power, the original poster girl for endurance breastfeeding, is keen to promote. A photograph of her feeding her three-month old baby after completing the 100-mile (167km) UTMB in 2018 sent shockwaves through the racing world and race has a strict no-deferral policy for runners who became pregnant, so Sophie went through "hell on earth", racing soon after having her baby."That photo spoke to millions of women around the world," she said. "It's not about the breastfeeding and the ultra."It's about the man next to me that's asleep and the struggle that women have to get back to fitness, to our own goals, to everything after [having a baby]." Sophie's photo and a subsequent campaign means elite runner who get pregnant can now get deferrals. She set up the She Races charity to push for further gains, but like Stephanie, Sophie is more concerned about ordinary mums."When you're fit during pregnancy, labour's easier... recovery's easier, and your baby comes out fitter, with stronger lungs," said the Active Pregnancy Foundation three women said mothers should be encouraged to exercise and hold on to the things that made them tick before having a baby. "We don't lose ourselves and our identity in becoming mums," said Stephanie."We just have another layer."
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez makes shock retirement confession ahead of blockbuster Terence Crawford clash
Canelo Alvarez knows exactly who he is when the gloves are on. A champion. A global superstar. The face of boxing. But the question that lingers now, quietly, persistently, is who he'll be when they come off for good.
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Jude Bellingham's girlfriend Ashlyn Castro stuns in custom Real Madrid crop top
Jim Sheridan, Sport Reporter Published: Invalid Date, JUDE BELLINGHAM's girlfriend Ashlyn Castro has stunned in a custom Real Madrid outfit. The 27-year-old is currently Stateside supporting the England star at the Club World Cup. 6 6 6 6 Bellingham's Real Madrid opened up the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Saudi side Al-Hilal. The former Dortmund midfielder failed to find the net as Xabi Alonso's men were frustrated in front of goal. But Bellingham is certainly winning off the pitch with Californian model Ashlyn. The influencer showed off a custom Madrid creation ahead of Sunday's clash with Mexican side Pachuca. Ashlyn took a mirror selfie of her wearing the Real shirt, which had been modified into a crop top. Castro was first pictured with the Three Lions ace in January. SunSport revealed Bellingham had whisked Ashlyn away for a series of dates over the New Year. And she'd even met his parents on a visit to the Spanish capital. Ashlyn has previously been linked with Hollywood actor Michael B Jordan and NBA stars LaMelo Ball and Terance Mann. She boasts 540,000 followers on Instagram, where she keeps fans updated with her luxury travels around the world. A recent update saw the Californian beauty rock a gorgeous fitted green outfit. One fan gasped in response: "I think this is Bellingham's best goal." While a second added: "You are just outrageous." Ashlyn has also amassed a huge following on TikTok where she posts makeup tutorials and shares fashion advice with fans. Bellingham was previously linked with Dutch model Laura Celia Valk. 6 6 His brother Jobe recently followed in his sibling's footsteps, joining Dortmund from Sunderland. The 19-year-old netted his first goal for the club in Saturday's CWC showdown with Mamelodi. Dortmund shelled out £32million for the teenager. But the price tag - and comparisons with his big brother - are just distractions to the midfielder. Jobe said: "I don't really care how it looks, but it might look a bit contradictory to some people. "I was perhaps being biased against Dortmund for a very long time, because I have anxieties and fears, and you want to be your own man. "But I don't think I should let those stop me from making the right decision."
