Lewis Hamilton warns Pirelli wet tires 'don't work' ahead of Canadian GP

Lewis Hamilton has described Pirelli's wet weather tyres as "not spectacular" as the F1 grid prepares for the Canadian Grand Prix in potentially treacherous conditions. Alpine's Pierre Gasly has gone further, warning that the race could turn into an "elimination game" for the drivers.

Why it matters:

The Montreal circuit is notorious for unpredictable weather, and this year it presents a unique challenge: the competitive debut of the 2026 regulations in the rain. With low air temperatures and a low-energy track layout, generating the necessary tyre temperature is proving to be a significant hurdle for drivers, raising concerns about the reliability of the new cars in extreme conditions.

The Details:

• Hamilton's Critique: The seven-time world champion ran the 2026 wet tyres at Fiorano in April. He believes they are fundamentally flawed.
  • "The wet tyres are not spectacular in terms of the way that they've moved to having no blankets to low blanket temperatures," Hamilton told reporters.
  • He described the tires as "constantly battling tyres that don't work," pushing them to the temperature limits without success.
• Gasly's Warning: Alpine driver Pierre Gasly expressed fears that the conditions could lead to a race of attrition.
  • "I would not be surprised if we end up having a bit of an elimination game," Gasly stated.
  • He noted that warming up tires in the dry is already difficult, making the wet race "extremely difficult."
• Technical Challenges: The combination of new 2026 car aero and wet weather creates a volatile cocktail. Pirelli has recommended starting on full wets, but finding the right balance between grip and overheating remains a mystery for the teams.

What's next:

With intermediates offering little relief, teams are bracing for a chaotic weekend. The focus will be on survival, as drivers are expected to struggle to manage tyre temperatures in the freezing Montréal air.