Former IndyCar driver calls out F1's flawed reason for "middle finger" to IndyCar with 2026 Indy 500-Canadian GP clash
IndyCar has historically hosted the Indy 500 on the Memorial Day Weekend, and the F1 Monaco Grand Prix also takes place on the same day, more often than not. However, the 2026 F1 calendar saw a massive change as the Canadian Grand Prix was moved in place of the race at the principality, which former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe deemed as "a middle finger" from the European championship to the American series.
Since Liberty Media took over the commercial rights of F1, the racing calendar of the top racing league in the world has expanded drastically. Rules were amended to accommodate 24 race weekends in an F1 season, as the championship aims to continue its somewhat monopoly in the open-wheel racing market.
On the other hand, since IRL and CART's merger in 2008, IndyCar has tried to grab back its audience, and this year has been one of the best in terms of viewership, coming off the back of a deal with FOX Sports. With the Indy 500 this year having one of the best audience figures ever, motorsport fans were soon tempted by the racing action in the United States.
F1 traditionally held the Monaco Grand Prix on the same day, and with the race around the streets of Monte Carlo often being a snoozefest for many, the Indy 500 didn't have to fight for viewership. But, the 2026 racing calendar has led to a feud to develop between F1 and IndyCar as the former championship has pulled out its ace to draw viewership to its side with the Canadian GP.
Reflecting on how F1 deems the calendar switch nothing but a middle-finger move to IndyCar, Hinchliffe said, via Off Track with Hinch and Rossi:
"Look, I'm not going to ask F1 to build their calendar around our one hallmark event here, but at the same time, put it on qualifying weekend; that's somewhat defendable. I can tell you what day the Indy 500 is going to be on in 2047, that's how this works. You have a gap to put a race not on the biggest race of the year, in the world, and you choose not to do it.
"If their argument is to be back-to-back with Miami, wrong, that's not good enough. If there's another reason, cool... but I not like it that they are not sharing what that is, unless it is just a middle finger to IndyCar, which will be unfortunate."
A horde of revered figures within the racing paddock were left taken aback by the Indy 500-Canadian GP clash.
Scott McLaughlin was also infuriated by F1's decision related to IndyCar's Indy 500 raceday
Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin has been an outright supporter of motorsport on his social media. Witnessing the Indy 500 clash with F1's Canadian Grand Prix, he was left fuming.
The 32-year-old jibed at F1 for ruining Motorsport Christmas, and wrote on X:
"Congrats to @f1 who single handedly ruined Motorsport Xmas. Indy 500 will be a scene next year. As well as the Coke 600. Good luck."
Meanwhile, IndyCar would host its Bommarito Automotive Group 500 Grand Prix in Illinois on June 15. Whereas, F1 would host the Canadian Grand Prix on the same day.