Formula 1 released its 2026 schedule yesterday. The most glaring item is the placement of the Canadian Grand Prix on May 24 in direct conflict with the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500. If you’re shocked by this move, you don’t know F1 very well.

F1 has continually shown themselves to be arrogant and prideful, believing they can do whatever they want, no matter the consequences. They have established a base in North America with three races in the United States in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas, and now they are getting greedy with their scheduling.

To have a race in North America on the same day as the 500 which overlaps the iconic event, is pure arrogance and insensitivity. F1 is justifying the date by saying it fits their new sustainability model having two races in May on the same continent. I would agree- if the races were on consecutive weekends. The Maimi Grand Prix is the first weekend of May, three weeks before Canada. You’re telling me all the crews and drivers are going to stay in the U.S. for three weeks? I find that doubtful.

Someone who is familiar with “F1’s thinking” told Adam Stern the decision was made in part in conjunction with the wishes of the promoters. I can’t believe a Canadian promoter is thinking, “Yeah, let’s go against the Indianapolis 500.”

I don’t think the F1 race will have much effect on the 500. I’m not sure how many people attend both events on a regular basis, but with the price of F1 tickets I’m assuming there aren’t that many. There are two distinct fan bases as well as many crossover fans. I never watched Monaco live on Race Day any way, but I recorded it to watch later in the week. I’ll do the same next year with the Canadian GP. F1 races usually start around 2 pm local time. which should be around the 75-lap mark of the 500.

My issue is the infringement, no matter how small, on the 500. The last Sunday in May belongs to Indy, and there should be no conflicts. Begin the GP later if you must, around 4 pm Eastern.

I think IndyCar and FOX should conduct a massive Indy 500 advertising assault on the Miamai Grand Prix with billboards, track signage, and television ads during that race. Distraction is a two-way street.

My hope is that 2026 is a one year thing with the Canadian Grand Prix., and that if F1 wants to race on Memorial Day weekend, they have a European race that ends by 11 am Eastern time. The triple header Sunday is one of the greatest days in motorsports.