Canada’s Grand Prix solidifies itself as F1’s North American cornerstone — with broadcast and commercial implications.
In a strategic move reaffirming Formula One’s global expansion roadmap, F1 has extended its partnership with the Canadian Grand Prix through 2035. The announcement not only cements Montréal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve as the oldest non-European race on the calendar, but also signals a deliberate shift toward markets that combine deep heritage with global growth potential.
Key Details of the Extension
- Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will remain on the F1 calendar until 2035
- A long-term media rights deal has been signed with Bell Media, covering both English (TSN) and French (RDS) broadcasts
- The promoter, Octane Racing Group, continues to invest heavily in infrastructure and fan experience upgrades
Why Montréal Matters
At a time when several classic European circuits face uncertain futures — including Imola, Zandvoort, and Spa — the commitment to Canada underscores Montréal’s relevance, reliability, and readiness. F1’s desire to grow in North America is no secret, and with races now in Las Vegas, Miami, and Austin, the Canadian Grand Prix offers tradition amidst a modernizing North American circuit portfolio.
As Thailand prepares a $1.2 billion street race bid for 2028, and Madrid replaces Imola, Montréal’s continued presence showcases how historic venues can stay relevant through modernization, stakeholder coordination, and fan engagement.
Bell Media Renews Broadcast Rights
Bell Media will continue its F1 coverage across TSN and RDS, ensuring seamless continuity for Canadian audiences. While the broadcast deal length hasn’t been publicly confirmed, it is considered a multi-year, high-value agreement and one of the few dual-language sports broadcasting models in global motorsport.
The move aligns with a broader industry trend: bundled race and media partnerships that deliver both local economic impact and long-term media stability.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali on the Extension
“As Formula One celebrates its 75th anniversary, it is fitting that we have announced an extension with the Canadian Grand Prix, a race that has such incredible history and is named after a true legend in Gilles Villeneuve,”
“Montréal is an incredible city, full of energy and passionate fans, and I am delighted to confirm we’ll be racing here through 2035.”
He also praised Octane Racing Group and all levels of Canadian government for aligning behind a shared vision of progress — from venue upgrades to tourism readiness.
Strategic Lessons from the Canadian Grand Prix
This deal is more than a race renewal — it’s a case study in how tradition and transformation can co-exist. Here’s why it matters:
For Rights Holders & Leagues
- Long-term calendar certainty allows for better commercial planning, sponsor activation, and fan experience design
- Dual-asset deals (race + media) are the new gold standard for building sustainable event portfolios
- A “legacy + modernity” narrative is increasingly valuable in highly competitive venue bidding environments
For Cities & Host Governments
- Montréal demonstrates how proactive investment and intergovernmental alignment can retain high-impact IP
- Tourism, global media exposure, and urban branding value all spike during race weekends — worth over $90M in local impact annually
For Broadcasters & Sponsors
- The Canada F1 market is bilingual, wealthy, tech-savvy, and loyal — a rare combination for brand storytellers
- Long-term deals with built-in infrastructure upgrades unlock year-round content and brand integration opportunities
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IMAGE: F1
