Earlier this season, the Imola GP got canceled after heavy rainfall in the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy to flooding in the area. F1 decided that due to the loss of lives, and damage to infrastructure, it would be the best course of action. Now, the Canadian Grand Prix is also under threat due to forest fires that are causing havoc in Quebec.
The Canadian GP returned to the calendar in 2022 after a two-year absence due to the pandemic. This year’s outing is scheduled to take place on the 18th of June, with the weekend kicking off on the 16th. The forest fires that are affecting daily life in and around Montreal, couldn’t have come at a worse time for F1. Even though, the safety of people will be put first, canceling another race will be of huge loss for the organizers.
As we approach the race in Montreal, fans are beginning to get restless. The uncertainty surrounding the cancellation of the Canadian Grand Prix will only grow until we get word on the actual situation around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
The extent of damage in Quebec ahead of the Canadian GP
Major cities in Ontario and Quebec have been severely affected by the wildfires in the region. While there is no immediate warning from the blaze of the fire itself, air quality has taken a hit in the region with authorities classifying it as “high risk”.
Federal officials are predicting one of the worst wildfire seasons in Canada in recent history. The fire has burned through 3.3 hectares of land already, which according to the BBC, is 12 times the average, for this time of the season. So far, it’s not clear when the situation will be under control, but the effects of his huge forest fires are being felt in faraway places like New York City.
F1 hasn’t made any statement related to the forest fire yet. As of now, the Canadian Grand Prix is scheduled to go ahead as planned. However, if the air quality is still as hazardous, the organization may be forced to make another tough decision and cancel the 2023 Canadian GP.
What if the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix gets cancelled?
When the Imola GP was cancelled, fans wondered if F1 will introduce a replacement race. Unfortunately, F1 decided to make the season shorter and go ahead with 22 races instead of hunting for a new venue. It also seems likely that the same thing will happen once again if the race in Montreal is cancelled.
F1 and the local promoters in Montreal suffer huge losses if the race does get cancelled. However, the safety of the teams, drivers and fans is paramount. If the air quality doesn’t improve by next week, we could see F1 make a statement.
