Former promoter cautions Montreal against losing its F1 race.

      "The individuals currently in charge will fulfill the necessary tasks."

      The longtime promoter and prominent figure of Canada’s Grand Prix in Montreal has cautioned the city against abandoning Formula 1. The sport is adamant about maintaining its current schedule of 24 races, despite being in advanced discussions with Thailand, while new rumors indicate that Morocco may also be in the running for a possible event in Africa. Montreal has a contract with F1 until 2031; however, following the disappointing 2024 edition at the historic Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Le Journal de Montreal suggests that the race is under "review" by F1. The newspaper speculates that F1 may consider withdrawing as early as 2029.

      "Let’s just say that last year’s event didn’t go well," Normand Legault, the longtime Canadian GP promoter who is no longer active in the role, acknowledged. He cautioned that if Montreal permits the event to slip away, it may not return. "It’s not easy to bring back the Nordiques," he remarked, referencing the professional NHL ice hockey team the Quebec Nordiques that relocated and became the Colorado Avalanche in 1995. "There are other cities that were interested in (NHL) teams, such as Las Vegas, Seattle, and Salt Lake City," Legault added. "Thirty years ago, all you had to do was raise your hand."

      He expressed concern that a similar fate could befall Quebec’s Formula 1 race, stating, "But I like to believe that we won’t lose the Grand Prix. I think the people currently in charge will take the necessary steps to reassure the Formula 1 authorities," Legault said. He acknowledged, however, that competition from other potential F1 venues is driving costs up for Canada. Le Journal de Montreal suggests that Montreal pays $30 million annually, compared to over $50 million for some newer events.

      Although no longer associated with F1, Legault remains actively engaged in his investment in the MotoGP series. "We can clearly see the pipeline of countries that want MotoGP events," he noted.