Groundhogs, beware: Canadian Grand Prix extended until 2035

This just in: the Canadian Grand Prix will remain on the F1 calendar until 2035, after extending its existing contract by four years. Great news, eh?

It most certainly is, because it means Circuit Gilles Villeneuve – with its long straight, heavy braking zones, and notorious slab of concrete – isn’t at risk of being replaced by some godawful street circuit.

And no, we haven’t forgotten that the island-based track is, technically speaking… a street circuit. This is one of the good ones, innit.

“Montreal is an incredible city, full of energy and passionate fans, and I am delighted to confirm that we will continue racing here through to the 2035 season and that our media rights deal with Bell Media is also extending in the long term,” said Stefano Domenicali, F1 president and CEO.

“I would like to thank the promoter, Octane Racing Group, for their continued efforts in upgrading this iconic venue in recent years, and all local, regional, and national political stakeholders who have worked closely together to make this event what it is today.

“I would also like to thank our incredible Canadian fans. I look forward to creating more unforgettable moments in Montreal with you over the next 10 years.”

The Canadian Grand Prix was first held in 1967, and moved to its current venue in 1978 before being renamed after the legendary Gilles Villeneuve four years later. Since then, it’s barely been off the calendar.

For yonks it has sat in a weird slot in the middle of the European leg of the F1 schedule, but from 2026 it’ll occupy an earlier window so it can run back to back with the Miami Grand Prix. Common sense prevails at last.

The track is also known for being home to countless groundhogs, albeit one fewer than this time last week after Lewis Hamilton, er, squashed one with his Ferrari during the grand prix. Oops.

It was also the site of perhaps the greatest modern F1 race of them all; the 2011 edition that Jenson Button won from last place despite pitting six times and bumping off two world champions betwixt a two-hour red flag stoppage. Anyone else feel old now?