Brundle: Drivers 'Scared' of 2026 Cars in the Rain as Canadian GP Looms

With a potentially wet Canadian Grand Prix on the horizon, former F1 driver and Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle believes the current grid is 'a little bit scared' of driving the 2026-spec cars in the rain. The new regulations bring more power and less downforce, creating uncertainty as teams brace for their first competitive wet weather test of the season.

Why it matters:

Driver concerns over wet performance could redefine race strategy and safety protocols early in this new regulatory era. The Canadian GP at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is already known for high attrition rates – only one of the last eight races there has gone without a safety car. If rain adds to the challenge, the race could become a lottery of survival, giving teams like Mercedes a chance to test their first major upgrade under extreme conditions.

The details:

• Wet weather fears: Brundle told Sky Sports that drivers are "all a little bit scared" because the cars have "so much power and less downforce, less grip." No one has pushed them in a competitive wet session yet.
• Safety car stats: Montreal's layout is punishing – a crash often leaves a car stranded on track, triggering safety car periods. Brundle called it "old school" and said it could produce drama.
• Mercedes upgrades: After most teams brought big updates to Miami, Mercedes waited until Montreal. Brundle noted that Mercedes is "pretty confident" and won't introduce slower parts. The track's long straights and slow corners offer a different test compared to Miami.

What's next:

The Canadian Grand Prix weekend runs 22-24 May and includes the third sprint race of 2026. If rain materializes, it could provide the first real measure of how these new cars handle wet conditions under competitive pressure, and whether the fears voiced by Brundle and others are justified.