Will Buxton puts staunch defense of Indy 500 amid F1 Canadian GP clash

The controversy surrounding the scheduling clash of the 2026 Indy 500 event with the Canadian Grand Prix continues to dominate the motorsport scene, and Will Buxton has recently shared his thoughts on the matter. The IndyCar commentator has launched a staunch defense in support of the American open-wheel racing series.

The 44-year-old took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to respond to a fan who suggested he was overestimating the significance of the Indy 500. In response to the post, Buxton stressed the scale and prestige of the famed oval race.

“Single most attended one-day sporting event on Earth. 7 million viewers in the US this year (peak of 8). The Indy 500 isn’t just a race in America. It’s a 110-year-old institution,” he wrote.

The scheduling conflict gained traction when Formula 1 announced its calendar for the 2026 campaign, placing the Canadian Grand Prix on the same date as the Indianapolis 500 — May 24, 2026. This decision by F1’s governing body has since spiraled into a flurry of reactions among fans, many of whom are now torn between watching the Montreal race or the iconic oval race.

Traditionally, the Brickyard showpiece and the Monaco Grand Prix have often shared the same date, with the Monte Carlo street race running earlier and concluding before the start of the Indianapolis race. However, with both Canada and Indianapolis located in similar time zones, the logistics of how fans would be able to follow both events have become a key talking point.

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Scott McLaughlin reacts to the Indy 500 and Canadian GP clashing

Scott McLaughlin also shared his thoughts on the controversial scheduling conflict of the Canadian Grand Prix clashing with the Indy 500. The 32-year-old took to his social media to express his disappointment about the timing of both events.

The Team Penske driver used his X account to explain how what he deems the "Xmas of motorsports" is being ruined by both open-wheel racing governing bodies. Detailing his thoughts, the Kiwi wrote:

“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.”

The former Supercars champion, known for candidly voicing his opinion on both IndyCar and Formula 1 matters, further explained:

“FYI… I’m just sad for the race fan in me that loved watching 3 Crown Jewels on the same day. But instead we’ve decided to compete with each other instead of just enjoy pure Motorsport. Anyway, that is all.”

The decision to move the Canadian Grand Prix—which often takes place in June—to the Memorial Day weekend, traditionally reserved for the Indy 500, continues to stir mixed reactions among fans and stakeholders. How both racing events will coexist come May 2026 remains a storyline worth keeping a close eye on.