Next year is shaping up to be one banger of a scheduling showdown in the world of motorsports. Formula 1 has officially dropped its 2026 schedule. However, F1 fans and IndyCar lovers will be forced to make a heart-wrenching decision—watch the Canadian Grand Prix or the legendary Indy 500.
For the first time in racing history, both iconic events are landing on the exact same Sunday. And they’ll possibly be running at the same time.
Formula 1’s Canada Grand Prix vs. Indy 500
The new F1 calendar was recently revealed, and while it’s packed with 24 race weekends and plenty excitement, it also sparked a bit of chaos in the motorsport world. Fans, broadcasters, and sponsors will be forced to pick a side due to this overlapping schedules.
The Canadian Grand Prix, generally held during the second weekend of June at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, has been moved up to 24th of May 2026. This is because F1 wants to “regionalize” the calendar more efficiently—basically, group nearby races together to make travel and logistics smoother, since the race before this will the Miami Grand Prix.
However, problem is that date happens to be the same as the Indianapolis 500.
Breaking news if you’re awake: F1 has announced its 2026 schedule and is going to run Montreal on the same day (likely at the same time) as the Indy 500. I’ll have a column on this in the morning. 😤 https://t.co/lIud1so2rw
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) June 10, 2025
The Indy 500, held every Memorial Day weekend at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is one of the biggest events in all of motorsports. It’s known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” And now, it’s going head-to-head with F1’s Canadian Grand Prix.
To make matters worse, the race times also clash. That means the two races will run over each other for a good amount of time. No switching between commercial breaks or watching one live and the other right after. Fan will literally have to pick a side.
Motorsport Fans Are Not Happy About It
Unsurprisingly, fans were quick to voice their frustration online. “Their loss. I’ll be watching Indy,” one person posted on X. Another said, “What a horrible decision. For all of auto racing.”
A fan rightly wrote, “Running a race in north America during the Indy 500 seems suicidal for ratings.”
Running a race in north America during the indy 500 seems suicidal for ratings
— Hockey Seanie (@HockeySeanie) June 10, 2025
And they have a point. Normally, fans spend that Sunday soaking in three major races—Monaco GP in the morning, Indy 500 midday, and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 at night. It’s a motorsport marathon. But now, with Monaco pushed to June and Canada crashing into Indy’s time slot, the traditional flow of the day will be totally off.
Some fans think F1’s Liberty Media just misread the room. Others believe it’s all part of a bigger push to dominate the American market. Either way, the overlap is happening—and it’s messy.
Now the question is: will this bold scheduling gamble boost F1’s North American presence, or backfire by upsetting longtime motorsport fans? We’ll find out in 2026. But one thing’s for sure—the engines won’t be the only thing roaring that day. Fans will be too.