Canadian Grand Prix CEO confident about event's future after successful weekend race

The spotlight stayed on the track this weekend at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.

That's probably what Jean-Philippe Paradis appreciated most after a 2024 edition marked by access and evacuation issues on Ile Notre-Dame, water damage in TV studios and communication problems with the city's transport agency.

Paradis took over as chief executive officer and president of Octane Racing Group, the Canadian GP promoter, after longtime executive Francois Dumontier stepped down last summer following 30 years on the job.

Paradis said organizers didn't feel added pressure to deliver at this year's Canadian GP but acknowledged his team was eager to make the Formula One event shine.

"There was something where people wanted to make it different. We want to bring Canada to a top quartile GP," he said. "There's a path for us to get there, and we wanted to showcase that there is some improvement."

Paradis noted that event organizers rolled out the first phase of a three-year plan this year.

Hospitality tents for F1 teams doubled in size and now include a second floor. The entire paddock area was redesigned to also feature a Canadian touch.

Paradis wants to recreate the feel of a downtown Montreal street festival in the paddocks for F1 personnel and VIP guests.

Teams were also able to enter the site via the previously inaccessible Victoria Bridge, avoiding the traffic that disrupted 2024 and previous years.

Paradis hopes this year's race will serve as a springboard to making the Canadian GP one of the most beloved stops on the F1 calendar.

"If you ask me, why do you wake up every day in the morning? It's to try to make the race really amazing," he said. "Each time, I will improve the fan experience, the personnel experience."

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