- Rosalie Malo | annexe
- Dec 10, 2025
- 3 min read
F1 ACADEMY RETURNS TO MONTRÉAL FOR 2026 FOLLOWING A HISTORIC AND ELECTRIFYING FIRST EDITION AT CIRCUIT GILLES-VILLENEUVE
Montréal, Québec – December 10th, 2025 – After an exceptional debut in 2025 that exceeded all expectations, F1 ACADEMY™ unveiled today its 2026 calendar, confirming that the rapidly growing international series will return to Montréal from May 22 to 24, 2026, during the Formula 1 Lenovo Grand Prix du Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
F1 ACADEMY’s first Canadian appearance in 2025 was nothing short of remarkable. The Montréal round delivered fierce competition, record-breaking fan engagement, and an electric atmosphere that resonated across the paddock. Drivers, teams, and fans alike highlighted how unique and special the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve experience was — a weekend where enthusiasm was palpable from start to finish.
Sandrine Garneau, COO of Groupe de course Octane, shared:
“We knew Montréal would welcome F1 ACADEMY with open arms, but the reality surpassed anything we expected. The energy in the stands, the passion of the community, and the intensity of the racing created a truly unforgettable weekend. Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve has always held a special place in motorsport, and seeing F1 ACADEMY shine so brightly here was extraordinary. We are thrilled to welcome the series back in 2026, and we look forward to building on this incredible momentum.”
The decision to return underscores F1 ACADEMY’s commitment to expanding its international impact, while strengthening its ties to key motorsport communities like Montréal — a city known globally for its vibrant F1 culture and dedicated fan base.
Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 ACADEMY, added:
“Montréal left a lasting impression on us. We anticipated a strong race weekend, but we were not expecting the overwhelming support, incredible atmosphere, and the level of competition that unfolded on track. Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is special venue and returning for 2026 and beyond is fantastic. We cannot wait to build an even bigger and more inspiring presence for young women in motorsport next year.”
The 2026 Montréal stop promises an expanded program of community outreach, fan experiences, and driver engagement, following the success of last season’s VIP activations and grassroots initiatives that aimed to inspire the next generation of talent in Canada.
As anticipation builds, F1 ACADEMY’s continued presence in Montréal reinforces its mission: creating meaningful pathways for women in motorsport while delivering thrilling racing on the global stage.
The return of F1 ACADEMY to Montréal marks another significant milestone in advancing diversity and representation in racing — and promises another unforgettable chapter in Canadian motorsport history.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Groupe de course Octane would like to take this opportunity to thank Société du parc Jean-Drapeau, Tourisme Montréal, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Canada, Bell, all of our valued partners and sponsors, as well as our loyal fans.
To learn more and plan your experience, visit gpcanada.ca.
ABOUT GROUPE DE COURSE OCTANE
Montreal-based Canadian company Groupe de course Octane is the official promoter of the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA, under an agreement with Formula One Administration Limited and Formula 1 World Championship Limited (together the F1 marketing rights holder). In 2021, Bell acquired the activities of Groupe de course Octane, which operates as a stand-alone entity within the Bell group of companies.
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Source : Groupe de course Octane
For more information :
PHIL VANDEN BRANDE | Vice-president, Partner and Executive Publicist, annexe media
+1 438 402 7391 | phil@annexe.media
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