Canadian GP CEO Unfazed by Growing F1 Popularity in the USA
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Canadian Grand Prix President and CEO, Jean-Philippe Paradis, has shared his vision for the future of the Montreal race, explaining that the growing popularity of Formula One in the USA won't diminish the value of Canada's market of "40 million people."
The 2025 Canadian GP concluded successfully last weekend, with Mercedes' George Russell securing victory, followed by runner-up Max Verstappen and Andrea Kimi Antonelli in third.
Related: Toto Wolff Drops Bombshell After Canadian GP: 'Need to Learn Why It Worked'
Paradis admitted that he wanted to make this year's event a hit, considering the administrative challenges faced in the 2024 round. He took over the role from Francois Dumontier last year and immediately set out to make the event better in every way. Hinting at a growth plan to make the event one of the best Grand Prix destinations, he said:
George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W16 on track during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 14, 2025 in Montreal,...
George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W16 on track during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 14, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. More"There was something where people wanted to make it different. We want to bring Canada to a top quartile GP. There's a path for us to get there, and we wanted to showcase that there is some improvement."
The 2026 Canadian GP has been moved from June to May 22, set to take place after the race in Miami. Paradis confirmed that the change will lead to a slight temperature variation. He said:
"The month of May might have been a little bit colder this year. But historically there's about a 1.5 to two degrees (Celsius) difference."
However, the change in dates will lead to a clash with IndyCar's Indianapolis 500, which Paradis believes won't affect the numbers. In addition, he believes that despite the growing influence of F1 in the USA, with three successful Grand Prix venues, Canada's market is large enough not to lose out to competition. He said:
"Canada is a huge market, right? It's 40 million people. There's obviously a huge economic market. We serve really well the Northeast of North America. It's an iconic race.
"I'm personally waking up every day to make sure that we have a top race, and this race stays here for the next 100 years."
He added:
"If you ask me, why do you wake up every day in the morning? It's to try to make the race really amazing. Each time, I will improve the fan experience, the personnel experience."
The Canadian Grand Prix is under contract with F1's governing body, the FIA, until 2031. However, a rumor spread that the deal could end in 2029. Addressing the report, Paradis said:
"What we wanted to focus on is making sure 2025 is an amazing success we can build on. As we get success, I'm sure things will fall into place."
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