This weekend, all eyes were on the track during the Canadian Grand Prix.
Jean-Philippe Paradis likely valued this the most after the 2024 edition faced various challenges, including access issues on Île Notre-Dame, water damage in broadcasting studios, and communication mishaps with the city’s public transport.
Paradis recently took the reins as CEO and president of Octane Racing Group, the promoter of the Canadian GP, after Francois Dumontier concluded his 30-year tenure last summer.
While Paradis stated that there was no extra pressure on organizers for this year’s GP, he acknowledged that his team was motivated to elevate the Formula One event’s profile.
Canadian Grand Prix President and CEO Jean-Philippe Paradis is interviewed in the paddocks at the Canadian Grand Prix on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi.
CMU
“There was a strong desire among people to make it unique. We aspire to place Canada in the top quartile of GPs,” he stated. “We see a path to achieving that, and we aimed to demonstrate that improvements have been made.”
Paradis mentioned that organizers initiated the first phase of a three-year strategy this year.
The hospitality tents for F1 teams have been expanded in size and now feature a second story. The entire paddock area has been redesigned to reflect a Canadian flair.
His vision is to recreate the ambiance of a downtown Montreal street festival within the paddocks for F1 teams and VIP guests.
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In addition, teams now have access to the previously off-limits Victoria Bridge, which helps alleviate the traffic issues that plagued the event in 2024 and prior years.
Paradis envisions this year’s race to act as a launching pad for making the Canadian GP one of the favorites on the F1 agenda.
“If someone were to ask me why I get up every morning, it’s to create an exceptional race,” he shared. “Every time, my goal is to enhance the experience for fans and personnel.”
The Canadian Grand Prix has a contract with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) until 2031.
Paradis pushed back against rumors that the FIA might terminate the deal as early as 2029. Regarding contract extensions, he commented that many circuits typically have just one or two-year agreements.
“Our focus is on ensuring that 2025 is an outstanding success that we can build from,” Paradis stated. “With success, advantages will follow naturally.”
On Tuesday morning, Paradis is scheduled to join Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante, Tourisme Montreal President and CEO Yves Lalumière, and other city officials at Île Notre-Dame for a press conference related to the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix.
Paradis and his team will have less time to prepare for next year’s edition of the Canadian GP.
The released 2026 F1 calendar includes the Montreal event set for May 22 to 24—earlier than the usual June timeframe.
This race will follow directly after the Miami GP, scheduled three weeks prior. This adjustment creates a more logical geographical flow of the calendar while aligning with F1’s goal of reducing travel and achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
Paradis doesn’t believe the calendar adjustment will negatively impact ticket sales or fans’ willingness to attend the Montreal race.
“May might be a bit cooler this year,” he noted. “However, historically, temperatures only differ by about 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius.”
While most F1 drivers and team leaders aren’t well-acquainted with Montreal’s weather other than during their annual GP visit, they mentioned adapting to its unpredictable nature.
“Even during the same period here, the weather can be quite erratic,” remarked Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu. “You might experience wet or dry races with variable conditions. So, the teams should be fine with a shift in the schedule.”
“I don’t anticipate it being drastically different. I think it’s beneficial for everyone to evaluate how to optimize travel logistics,” he added.
Williams team principal James Vowles shared that he has been to Montreal in winter.
“I certainly wouldn’t want to race here in winter; it’s freezing cold,” he remarked. “But May is a very suitable time.”
Paradis also reassured that a scheduling clash with the Indianapolis 500 won’t deter American visitors from attending the Grand Prix.
He expressed similar optimism, even with the increasing number of Grand Prix events in the United States—now totaling three since Las Vegas was added in 2023.
when Montreal was the sole North American venue.
“Canada boasts a large market, right? It has 40 million residents,” he mentioned. “There’s clearly a substantial economic opportunity. We excel in catering to the Northeast of North America. It’s a legendary race.
“I’m committed to ensuring that we maintain a premier race, and that this event continues here for the next century.”
© 2025 The Canadian Press
