Drivers are scared' - Brundle raises wet-weather fears at Canadian GP

Martin Brundle has raised concerns that drivers are "a little bit scared" of how the 2026 Formula 1 cars will perform in wet conditions, with rain expected at this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix. The new machinery, featuring a 50:50 split between electrical and combustion power and heavy battery management, has yet to be tested in competitive wet running.

Why it matters:

The 2026 regulations introduced a dramatic shift in power distribution and aerodynamics, resulting in less downforce and grip. Wet weather could expose unpredictable behavior, especially on a challenging circuit like Montreal where mistakes often lead to crashes and safety cars. The FIA has already banned boost mode and introduced partial active aero in wet conditions, but drivers remain uneasy.

The details:

• Brundle told Sky Sports: "The drivers are all a little bit scared of just what these cars are going to be like in the rain. They have got so much power and less downforce, less grip, and they don't know yet."
• Only one of the last eight Montreal Grands Prix has run without a safety car, highlighting the track's unforgiving nature.
• McLaren's Oscar Piastri expressed similar concerns ahead of Miami, noting that energy deployment is "in a computer's hands" and the margin for error is much lower in wet conditions.

What's next:

• Rain chances are as high as 60% for Sunday's race, meaning the 2026 cars could face their first real wet-weather test under race conditions.
• Meanwhile, McLaren driver Lando Norris has hinted at a potential future Le Mans appearance with the team, as McLaren prepares for its 2027 WEC Hypercar entry with the MCL-HY. Norris said he still wants to explore other racing disciplines, but no concrete plans are set.