A combination of near-record low temperatures and persistent rainfall threatens to disrupt the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Drivers have expressed severe concerns over tyre warming capabilities.
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Meteorological forecasts indicate steady mist and light rain will saturate the low-grip Montreal track throughout the morning.
Temperatures are expected to hover around 11 degrees Celsius during the race.
Tyre supplier Pirelli warns that the unique low-energy layout of the circuit prevents cars from generating necessary rubber heat.
This could potentially make extreme wet weather tyres faster than standard intermediates.
Drivers Voice Concerns
Alpine driver Pierre Gasly conducted specialized wet weather testing for Pirelli after the Miami Grand Prix. He anticipates significant attrition on the grid.
"I wouldn't be surprised if we end up having a bit of an elimination game. But I might be wrong.
Just this track by itself in the dry is difficult to warm up the tyres. So I think in the rain it will be extremely difficult," said Gasly.
Defending world champion Max Verstappen holds similar concerns after conducting wet-weather testing with Red Bull during pre-season sessions in Barcelona.
"Even on slicks, you barely switch them on at the right time.
So on wet tyres, I think it will be a big struggle for all of us to make it work," said Verstappen.
Verstappen further suggested that standard safety car periods could worsen conditions by excessively cooling the tyres.
