Canadian GP latest as F1 provides update on race weekend amid massive wildfires

08 June 2023 , 15:40

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Wildfires in Canada have caused air pollution problems for thousands of miles (Image: AP)

The Canadian Grand Prix is NOT currently under threat from wildfires in the country, despite some reports to the contrary.

Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes as a result of the fires. They are not uncommon in Canada, but rarely happen this early in the year with climate change driving extreme temperatures and drought in the region.

With the Canadian Grand Prix just a week away, some Formula 1 fans might be concerned over whether the event will go ahead. Those worries will have been fuelled by some reports suggesting the race might be threatened by the fires.

However, this is not the case. As it stands, F1 chiefs are not worried about any threat to the Montreal race weekend which is due to take place as planned.

"The event is not at risk," an F1 spokesperson told Mirror Sport. They added: "We have been assured by all the relevant information that the situation in Montreal at this time is different to other parts of the country and northern US and the risk remains low and air quality is good in Montreal."

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Montreal is in the province of Quebec, which is one of the most affected areas of the country. Around 150 separate wildfires are believed to be burning in that region with more across the rest of Canada.

But the nearest are currently around 800km from the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which is situated on Notre-Dame Island in the St Lawrence River which runs through Montreal.

F1 chiefs currently have no concerns over the Canadian Grand Prix (Getty Images)

Smoke has been carried for thousands of miles with cities as far away as New York suffering low air quality as a result. Montreal's air quality dipped below normal levels earlier this week, though there was no need to restrict outdoor movements of residents as a result.

Air quality in the city has since returned to acceptable levels and current government advice is that the situation is low-risk. F1 says it will continue to monitor the situation in the build up to the race weekend.

But the current expectation is that the situation will improve rather than worsen for Montreal. Wind direction should keep smoke away from the city while there is some expected rainfall which will help emergency workers to in their bid to get the blazes under control.

Daniel Moxon