Formula 1 always brings an extraordinary economic and media impact to every city it takes place in. Precisely for this reason, various social groups try to take advantage of the global attention to raise their voices.

F1 weekends are moments where a lot of money is involved and where media exposure is maximum. In this context, adult entertainment industry workers in Montreal, the city that this weekend hosts the fifth Grand Prix of the 2026 Formula 1 season, have announced a strike to demand better working conditions.

This weekend is even more important than usual, as in addition to the main race on Sunday, a Sprint race will also take place. The Autonomous Committee of Sex Workers in Montreal (SWAC) is demanding more safety, better hygiene standards and less discrimination. They also want to be recognized as workers with equal rights and protections as other professions. For this reason, a work ban by strippers in the Canadian city is also planned. After all, the Saturday night of a Formula 1 weekend is considered the busiest time of year for nightclubs in Montreal.

THEY DEMAND THE ABOVE OF THE “LOCAL TARIFF” –  May 23, the day before the fifth race of the Formula 1 world championship for the 2026 season, is the date chosen for the protest. The main demand of the workers is the abolition of the so-called “bar fee”. This is a payment that strippers must pay to clubs in order to have the right to work there. Their income comes mainly from performances and tips. “As strippers, we are considered independent contractors. In theory we are treated the same as, for example, an independent plumber who is hired to make repairs in a house. But unlike him, an ‘independent’ stripper must answer to the club management, often to the detriment of her work and rights,” the organization said in a statement.

THE MOST PROFITABLE PERIOD OF THE YEAR – SWAC representatives emphasize that the chosen date is not accidental. "Clubs are in the busiest period of the year, which for owners translates into the highest profits. This is our opportunity to hit where it hurts the most: income. During this period, while management earns more money than usual, dancers are forced to work in even more difficult conditions," the statement concludes.