Formula 1 to challenge Indy 500's growth, popularity with Montreal race in 2026
The momentum that the Indianapolis 500 has built since the COVID-19 pandemic finds itself against racing competition on North American soil in 2026 as long had been rumored.
Formula 1 on Tuesday announced its schedule for next year and it includes a race in Montreal, Quebec, Canada May 22-24, the same weekend IndyCar is scheduled to host the 110th running of the Indy 500. Alex Palou's first oval win came at IMS 16 days ago before a sold-out grandstand which even lifted the local blackout to allows fans around the Circle City to watch live instead of on tape delay.
More than 300,000 people filled Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which was the most since 2016, and witnessed the first Spaniard to win the 500 in a frenzied race which included a crash on a parade lap, several failed post-tech inspections which included the runner-up and a Team Penske cheating scandal that saw three execs fired and drew the ire of many fans. And it was the first time the Indy 500 reached 7 million viewers since 2008 with 7.087 million tuning in to the 2025 event.
The interest in the Indy 500 is as high as it has been. The weekend's success came in spite of a Formula 1 race in Monaco on the same day. But that race had long finished prior to the Indy 500 festivities heating up, and a race in Canada could be a true competitor for the 500 audience.
'Not calling me': Why Alex Palou's Indy 500 win silences his Formula 1 flirtations
So, too, is the fact that Cadillac F1 has two open seats for the 2026 season on the grid. The first wholly American team, or another team, could make an offer Palou, IndyCar's dominant racer, can't refuse even though he said he is satisfied racing in IndyCar after previous flirtations with the European-based F1.
There is still plenty to be sorted out, such as a race time in Montreal, but it appears there will be head-to-head competition between the Indy 500 and F1. IndyCar has not fared well when up against other major sporting events even with a move to cable TV with Fox, so how will this impact the sport's "rapid growth" and particularly the 500?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Defensive Carousel – Valencia & Parma Stars Picked To Replace Two Outgoing Inter Milan Center-Backs
Francesco Acerbi and Yann Bisseck could make way for Giovanni Leoni and Cristhian Mosquera at Stadio San Siro. According to Corriere dello Sport via FCInter1908, Inter Milan could make several defensive changes this summer. Advertisement Yann Bisseck could be the subject of a big-money move to the Premier League. Indeed, Manchester United and West Ham United have set their sights on the German star. Meanwhile, Inter could terminate Acerbi's contract in the coming weeks. Though his deal runs out next summer, the Nerazzurri are considering activating a termination clause. If that's the case, they'll add at least two new defenders to Cristian Chivu's squad. Francesco Acerbi & Yann Bisseck Out – Giovanni Leoni & Cristhian Mosquera In MALLORCA, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 29: Cristhian Mosquera of Valencia CF gestures during the LaLiga match between RCD Mallorca and Valencia CF at Estadi de Son Moix on November 29, 2024 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by) Bisseck's departure will probably fill Inter's coffers, allowing them to pursue Cristhian Mosquera. Advertisement Despite the 20-year-old's expiring contract, Valencia won't let him for less than €20 million. Therefore, Bisseck's sale is the first prerequisite for the Nerazzurri to launch a concrete bid for the Spaniard. Meanwhile, Giovanni Leoni fits the club's new transfer policy and would be one for the future. At 18, he's one of the hottest Serie A prospects but still lacks experience on the grandest stage. However, he worked with Chivu at Ennio Tardini, meaning the new Inter boss has firsthand insight into his potential.
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Report – Inter Milan Harbor ‘Strong' Interest In Valencia Defender With Expiring Contract
Inter Milan remain hot on the heels of Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera despite facing several setbacks. Per Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInter1908, Piero Ausilio is working on striking a 'verbal agreement' with the player. Advertisement Mosquera's future has been among the major talking points in the early summer. Indeed, his contract at Mestalla expires next summer, with Valencia unable to see out extension talks. Therefore, the Italian giants hope to capitalize on this market opportunity and sign the 20-year-old on favorable terms. Inter Milan Ready to Accelerate Pursuit of Valencia Ace Cristhian Mosquera VALENCIA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 09: Cristhian Mosquera of Valencia CF celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the LaLiga match between Valencia CF and CD Leganes at Estadio Mestalla on February 09, 2025 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by) Despite Mosquera's expiring contract, Valencia won't let their prized asset leave cheaply. Instead, they've pinned a substantial €20 million price tag on his shoulders. However, Inter will try to drive the price down if they agree on personal terms with Cristhian Mosquera. Advertisement Considered among Europe's most exciting young prospects, the Spaniard would be a decent long-term investment. Meanwhile, the Nerazzurri will also try to capture the services of Parma teen prodigy Giovanni Leoni. Both players rank highly on Inter's wishlist, but the club must first address Yann Bisseck's situation. Several Premier League clubs have displayed interest in the German, who could pack his bags this summer.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Football transfer rumours: Leroy Sané to return to the Premier League?
Leroy Sané has been heavily linked with a move back to England this summer but looks as if he is going to swap Bayern Munich for Galatasaray, with the Turkish champions reportedly in advanced talks to sign the German international. Sané's contract in Bavaria will run out at the end of the month and, despite an improved offer from Bayern, the winger is favouring Gala after they tabled an offer with wages close to £200,000 a week. Sané's Mr 15%, Pini Zahavi, is still open to counter-offers but Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham will need to move fast if they want to win the race for the 29-year-old. Bayern want to replace Sané with Nico Williams after club scouts expertly identified, along with the rest of Europe, that the Spaniard is very, very good at football. Athletic Bilbao have not given up on keeping their academy product, offering the Pamplona-born winger a new contract, but the release clause of €58m (£48m) means that Bayern (and others) maintain their interest. If Bayern do not get their man, PSG's Bradley Barcola is another name linked – the young Frenchman was named on the bench for the Champions League final, with Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia the preferred front three. Advertisement Related: Men's transfer window summer 2025: all deals from Europe's top five leagues The Florian Wirtz saga has kept us gainfully employed for a couple of weeks now, but it looks like it is coming to an end after Bayer Leverkusen agreed a deal with Liverpool – thought to be around £127m, including add-ons – for the playmaker. Just what that means for Darwin Núñez remains to be seen. Liverpool rejected an offer of €70m (£60m) from Al-Nassr in January and now Al-Hilal are thought to be keen. Al-Hilal also offered a lorry full of cash for Theo Hernández, but the Milan full-back rejected the move and instead looks poised to go back to Atlético Madrid – the Frenchman came through Atléti's academy, joining the club at nine, before moving across town to Real Madrid in 2017. Things are looking up for Manchester United fans: the club are in talks to extend the contract of third-choice keeper Tom Heaton, 67, for another year. Oh, and in completely normal behaviour for a club that finished just above the relegation zone, United want to sign Napoli's Victor Osimhen – who has a release clause of €75m (£63m) – and could use Joshua Zirkzee as a makeweight. The Dutch striker thrived in Serie A with Bologna before his move to Old Trafford. Advertisement Fresh from running the show for Belgium against Wales, Kevin De Bruyne looks set to buy a few gallons of sun cream after agreeing a two-year contract with Napoli. The 33-year-old will join the Italian champions on a free transfer. Where will Jamie Vardy land after his exit from Leicester City? The Rumour Mill would love to see the Englishman's very particular brand in MLS – but the 38-year-old surely has the quality to remain in Britain, whether it is in the Premier League, Championship or in Scotland – Rangers and Celtic have both been linked with the striker. James Trafford was arguably the best player in the Championship last year as Burnley conceded a preposterously low 16 goals in 46 matches but, despite gaining promotion to the Premier League, the goalkeeper could yet move on to Newcastle. Nick Pope, a key performer in goal for the Magpies last season, is likely to be unimpressed with those rumours, especially with just one year remaining on his Newcastle contract.
