Fires in Quebec: can the Canadian Grand Prix take place?

After the terrible floods which devastated Emilia-Romagna and led to the cancellation of the eponymous GP last month, the F1 finds himself once again at the mercy of the elements.

For several weeks, Canada has had to deal with fires of monster intensity. After the provinces of Alberta and Nova Scotia in the west of the country, it is the turn of Quebec, in the east, to fall prey to the flames.

The smoke from the fires is such that cities on the east coast of the United States, including New York and Washington, have been shrouded in orange dust in recent hours. The authorities strongly recommend wearing a mask to limit the damage caused by transported particles.

In this context, is the holding of the Canadian Grand Prix next week (June 16-18) threatened? Knowing that the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal is located 800 km from the main fire sources.

Formula 1 assures that it is monitoring the development of the situation with the greatest attention. Currently, “ the event is not in danger », According to an F1 spokesperson. “ We were assured, based on available information, that the current situation in Montreal was different from other places in the country and in North America. The risk remains low and the air quality in the city is good ».

Moral dilemma

We will recall that Liberty Media made a similar speech at Imola before the situation suddenly worsened. We will also remember that F1 had canceled the Emilia-Romagna GP for material issues but also for image issues.

Isn't this same moral and ethical dilemma likely to arise in Montreal?

Whatever we think, what message would sending a Formula 1 Grand Prix while the forests are burning due to climate change a few hundred kilometers away?

F1 may well be engaged in an ecological transition which should lead it to a neutral carbon footprint by 2030, but it also knows that it will not escape criticism because of what it embodies.