Canadian Grand Prix Organisers Implement Sweeping Changes Ahead of 2025 Race

Montreal, June 3, 2025 — With the Formula 1 Pirelli Grand Prix of Canada less than two weeks away, organisers of the event at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve have unveiled a series of measures aimed at improving the fan and team experience, following widespread criticism over last year’s logistical failings.

The 2024 edition of the race was marred by heavy rainfall, flooding, transit issues, and significant miscommunication, including confusion over practice session access and chaotic scenes as fans breached the circuit post-race. The fallout prompted public apologies from officials, including Quebec’s tourism minister, and placed considerable pressure on the city to restore its reputation as a world-class Grand Prix host.

“We were forced to go back to the drawing board and evaluate how to be more competitive, not just with other Grand Prix but with major sporting events globally,” said Sandrine Garneau, Chief Operating Officer of Brand and Strategy at Octane Racing Group, the event’s official promoter. “We were a little bit the victims of a perfect storm last year. The weather didn’t help, but we’ve learned from it and made sure we’re better equipped to handle unexpected disruptions.”

In response, organisers describe preparations for this year’s race, scheduled for June 13–15, as a complete transformation from the previous year. Enhancements include a new official mobile app to assist fans in navigating the two-kilometre island site, expanded pedestrian access, and newly introduced colour-coded signage zones to improve crowd orientation and flow.

“This is a total 180 compared to last year,” said Véronique Doucet, Executive Director of the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau. “All communications this year will be centralised and synchronised. Nothing will be issued unless it’s part of the official communication plan.”

“We’ve worked with every relevant stakeholder from the day after last year’s race to ensure nothing like that happens again,” Doucet added. “We’ve taken the necessary steps.”

Tourisme Montréal, one of the event’s key partners, has also played an active role in the overhaul. President and CEO Yves Lalumière stressed the importance of improved access and fan mobility, calling it “critical to delivering a world-class experience comparable with the best races in the world.”

The Grand Prix remains a cornerstone of Montreal’s summer tourism calendar, generating $162 million in economic activity and attracting over 300,000 spectators in 2024 — a record turnout despite the operational issues.

Montreal’s contract to host the Canadian Grand Prix runs through 2031, but with new international venues vying for a place on the Formula 1 calendar, race promoters are keenly aware of the need to deliver a seamless event.

“We’re not blind to the fact that other countries want to host a Formula 1 race,” said Garneau. “That’s why it’s essential that we are at the top of our game — to secure the long-term future of F1 in Montreal.”