Canadian GP promoter Dumontier to step down after 30 years

Francois Dumontier, the CEO and president of Canadian Grand Prix promoter Octane Racing Group, will step down from his role after 30 years of organizing the race. First working on the race in Montreal in 1994, Dumontier established Octane Racing Group in 2002 and became president and CEO of the Canadian Grand Prix in 2009. After three decades at the forefront of motorsport in Canada — leading to an induction into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2017 — Dumontier will step down to be replaced at Octane by Bell Media VP Jean-Philippe Paradis. “It is with a profound sense of accomplishment that I hand over the wheel after devoting thirty years to the development of motorsports in Canada, and in particular Formula 1 in Montreal,” Dumontier said. “I am proud to leave a legacy of a world-class event — the most important sporting event in Canada, to the city of Montreal, to Quebec and to Canada. Formula 1 is more popular than ever, and I wish the organization success as Montreal continues to take its place on a fast-developing circuit.” Octane was purchased by Bell in 2021, and Paridis takes over the CEO and president roles with immediate effect, with Dumontier staying on as strategic advisor to ensure a smooth transition. “I’m honored to be named President and CEO of Octane Racing Group,” Paridis said. “The Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix is one of Canada’s largest sporting and tourism events, attracting fans from all over the world, and I am excited to lead this amazing team going forward. “I would like to thank François Dumontier for his leadership over the past three decades; his impact on Canadian motorsports is immense. I wish him well for the future and I look forward to continued collaboration with him as our strategic advisor.” As part of the changes, Octane has also announced Sandrine Garneau has been promoted to the role of chief operating officer of brand and strategy, having been described as “instrumental in raising the profile of the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix to where it is today.” Garneau’s promotion is also effective immediately.