Two-time IndyCar champion Will Power has expressed his disappointment over the scheduling of the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix on the same day as the iconic Indianapolis 500. The Formula 1 race in Montreal will take place roughly after the halfway point of the Indy 500, which remains the sport’s most celebrated annual event.
Historically, Formula 1 and IndyCar have run the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indy 500 simultaneously without major issues, as the events occur on different continents—Europe and North America, respectively—allowing fans to follow both. However, F1’s decision to reschedule the Canadian GP closer to the Miami GP, reportedly as part of sustainability efforts, has introduced a direct clash with IndyCar’s marquee race.
Will Power, winner of the 2018 Indy 500, addressed the controversy ahead of IndyCar’s Bommarito Automotive Group 500 in Madison, Illinois. He criticized the scheduling decision, suggesting that it lacked consideration for the overall health of motorsport.
“Yeah, that’s an interesting one. I think it’s not good for motorsport that we have two big events together at the same time,” Power said via Frontstretch. “I was okay with Monaco. It was run in the morning, you know, like on the other side of the ocean. I don’t know the politics behind it, but I think it would be better if they are separated.”
While reports indicate the overlap between the Canadian GP and the Indy 500 will happen only once in every five years, the reasoning behind not moving the F1 race to a weekend before the Indy 500 remains unclear. Scheduling it earlier could have instead conflicted with the qualifying sessions, which would still present complications.
Will Power on the Importance of Winning the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 on Father’s Day
The IndyCar Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at WWT Raceway conveniently falls on Father’s Day, adding special significance for Will Power, who has a nine-year-old son named Beau. Asked what a victory at Madison, Illinois, would mean to him on such a day, Power shared a heartfelt response.
“Oh yeah, that would be so lovely,” he replied. “It would be fantastic just for many reasons to get a win right now. A lot of good competitors out there. That’s what is so satisfying when you win. So many good guys to beat.”
This season, Power has been Team Penske’s most reliable driver, currently sitting fifth in the championship standings. Nevertheless, with his contract expiring after this year, speculation has grown that young talent David Malukas could take Power’s place in the team for upcoming seasons.
At 44 years old, Power aims to secure his first victory of the 2024 season at the 1.25-mile WWT Raceway oval. Team Penske has had considerable success at this venue, with driver Josef Newgarden winning there five times and entering the next year’s race as the defending champion.
Implications of the Calendar Clash and Future Prospects for Will Power
The clash between the 2026 Canadian GP and the Indy 500 presents a significant challenge for motorsport fans and organizers alike, as it forces a choice between two of the sport’s marquee events. Will Power’s criticism highlights concerns about audience fragmentation and diminished exposure for IndyCar’s signature race.
The indirect competition created by overlapping schedules could impact viewership and sponsorship for both races. Power’s comments reflect a broader tension as Formula 1 expands its calendar while IndyCar seeks to maintain its unique appeal in North America.
For Power personally, the upcoming Bommarito Automotive Group 500 represents more than just a race; it is an opportunity to mark a special occasion with a well-earned win and possibly reaffirm his place within Team Penske amid contract uncertainties. How he performs may influence both his legacy and the team’s direction as new drivers emerge on the scene.
