Riders “scared” at the idea of ​​being able to race in the wet in Canada

Fear of the wet Here we go again. After three weeks, the scenario for the race Sunday in Canada broadly reflects what was experienced at the beginning of May in Miami, with rain forecasts shaking the Formula 1 paddock. Compared to the last race, however, the fears are not so much concentrated on the intensity of the showers – expected, yes, but not so abundant – but rather on the driveability of these single-seaters in the wet. Despite the tests carried out just recently at Magny-Cours, the drivers have not yet had the opportunity to test themselves in similar conditions and above all in competition, even more so on a complex track like Montreal where the walls are just a step away from the road. Lots of power, little load Compared to the latest ground effect generation, the 2026 Formula 1 cars have similar power to manage – albeit distributed differently – but much less aerodynamic load, reduced so as not to have to dissipate too much energy as the MGU-H is no longer available to recharge the batteries and power the electric motor. “From what I know, the drivers are all a little scared of how these cars will behave in the rain – reported Martin Brundle in his speech to Sky Sports UK – They have a lot of power in their hands but less downforce and grip and they still don’t know how they will be managed”. “No one has really had the opportunity to test themselves in a competitive situation, so we could see some twists and turns, especially in Montreal where the Safety Car has always been the protagonist except on one occasion in the last eight Grands Prix.” Even Gasly, protagonist with Alpine of the latest Pirelli tests in France for the development of the 2027 wet tyres, warned (albeit with an ironic tone) his colleagues Russell and Lindblad in the press conference: “You will be shocked!”. Chances of rain drop slightly The latest weather updates indicate a drop in the chance of rain between 4pm and 6pm local time, the time slot in which the race should be held. However, the forecasts are constantly evolving and the Miami experience teaches us to keep our attention on the radar until the very end.

Automobile Magazine – F1 English News , 2026-05-24 01:47:00