The 2026 Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 season could witness its first truly wet race this weekend, as weather forecasts for the Canadian Grand PrixCompetition·Canadian Grand Prix in MontrealVenue·Montreal indicate a notable chance of rain on Sunday. This prospect introduces an element of unpredictability that could significantly influence the outcome of the race.
While the Miami Grand PrixCompetition·Miami Grand Prix earlier this month also presented a 40% probability of precipitation, leading to strict protocols and a delayed start to avoid severe interruptions, the conditions ultimately did not result in a fully wet race. The forecast for MontrealVenue·Montreal suggests a more direct threat of rain impacting the main event.
For the initial practice and sprint qualifying sessions on Friday, conditions are expected to be predominantly clear with air temperatures reaching up to 20 degrees Celsius. Saturday's outlook shows a slight increase in cloud cover and a minor 15% risk of rain. However, the critical race day on Sunday, May 24, carries a 30% chance of rain, with the probability increasing to 40% just before the scheduled 16:00 local time start. Overcast skies are anticipated throughout the afternoon.
A wet race often reshapes the competitive landscape, potentially favouring drivers who excel in challenging conditions and teams with optimal wet-weather setups. This could be particularly impactful in a season already marked by significant regulatory changes, including new power unit configurations and active aerodynamics, which have drawn varied opinions from drivers.
Fernando AlonsoPlayer·Fernando Alonso, Lando NorrisPlayer·Lando Norris, and Max VerstappenPlayer·Max Verstappen have all commented on the characteristics of the new 2026 cars. Alonso notably described the championship as a "world championship of batteries," while Norris expressed that the cars have transitioned from being "the best cars ever made in Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 and the most enjoyable to drive, to probably the worst." These sentiments underscore the sensitivity of the new machinery to varying conditions.
In the current 2026 standings, Andrea Kimi AntonelliPlayer·Andrea Kimi Antonelli of MercedesTeam·Mercedes leads the Drivers' Championship with 100 points, followed by teammate George RussellPlayer·George Russell with 80 points. Charles LeclercPlayer·Charles Leclerc of FerrariTeam·Ferrari holds third place with 59 points. MercedesTeam·Mercedes also maintains a commanding lead in the Constructors' Championship. The debut of new teams like AudiTeam·Audi and CadillacTeam·Cadillac further adds to the evolving dynamics of the season. A wet Canadian Grand PrixCompetition·Canadian Grand Prix could provide an early test of adaptability for all competitors under these new regulations.
Mercedes F1 drivers Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell at the Miami Grand Prix. (Gregoire Truchet/IMAGO)
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