Gasly Warns Canadian GP Could Become Chaotic Elimination Game

Pierre Gasly has predicted the Canadian Grand Prix could be an "elimination game" if it rains, with many drivers worried about the performance of Formula 1's current wet tyres. Even in dry conditions, drivers found that they required a second warm-up lap to get their tyres into the right window. The relative lack of heavy loading in the tyres, as most of Montreal's corners are of a stop-start nature, plus lower track temperatures put a premium on tyre preparation. With rain forecast for Sunday's grand prix, temperatures are also expected to be as low as 11C. Drivers have also suggested that Pirelli's new wet tyres are too hard, which makes it even more tricky to get heat into them. Gasly, who tried the tyres when Alpine conducted a Pirelli test at France's Magny-Cours circuit, was of the opinion that the race could be incredibly chaotic. "I think just the track on itself in the dry, it's difficult to warm up the tyres. So, I think in the rain, it will be extremely difficult," Gasly explained.

Why it matters:

The reliability and performance of the 2026 tyre compounds are critical for race safety and excitement, especially given the unpredictable weather conditions often found in Montreal.

The details:

• Drivers found that even in dry conditions, a second warm-up lap is required to get tyres into the optimal window due to low track temperatures and the stop-start nature of Montreal's corners.
• Tyre Hardness: Gasly, who tested at Magny-Cours, noted the new wet tyres are "too hard," making it tricky to get heat into them.
• Hamilton's Test: Lewis Hamilton pushed Pirelli to reinstate tyre blankets and add blankets to extreme tyres during a Fiorano test, but stated it is "still not enough" to solve the fundamental issues.
• Safety Risks: Isack Hadjar dismissed the tyres as "not made for a race with 21 other guys" after crashing during a Barcelona shakedown when switching to intermediates.
• Carlos Sainz expanded on the surprise Gasly experienced, stating that the Frenchman reported "the inters and the wets not getting into a range, and aquaplaning."

What's next:

The FIA and Pirelli are under pressure to ensure the new compounds can handle the extreme conditions. With temperatures expected to drop as low as 11C on Sunday, teams are bracing for a weekend where tyre management could dictate the outcome.