Martin Brundle: Drivers 'a little bit scared' of 2026 F1 cars in wet conditions

Former F1 driver Martin Brundle has suggested the current grid is “a little bit scared” about how the 2026 cars will behave in wet conditions. With significant technical changes to aerodynamics and power units this season, drivers have accumulated substantial mileage in the dry but have barely tested in the rain — only limited running during the Barcelona shakedown. Brundle told Sky Sports News: “They have got so much power and less downforce, less grip, and they don't know yet.”

Why it matters:

Wet-weather performance is a critical unknown that could shake up race outcomes and safety. The new generation of cars produces less downforce, meaning reduced grip on wet surfaces, while more powerful engines increase the risk of wheelspin and loss of control. Without proper wet running, drivers may struggle to find the limit — raising the chance of incidents.

The details:

• Power vs. grip: The 2026 power units deliver significantly more horsepower, but the aerodynamics generate less downforce compared to previous regulations. This combination makes wet running particularly treacherous.
• Limited testing: Aside from a handful of exploratory laps in the Barcelona shakedown, teams have not pushed the cars in wet conditions under competitive pressure. No wet-weather tire tests have been conducted with the new machinery.
• Montreal forecast: The Canadian Grand Prix this weekend has rain in the forecast for Sunday. If it arrives, it will be the first real wet test for the 2026 cars in a race setting.
• History of drama: Only one of the last eight Grands Prix in Montreal has gone without a Safety Car. Brundle noted that crashes on the old-school track result in cars staying on the racing line, adding to the potential for chaos.

What's next:

Should rain hit Montreal, expect theatrics. “Nobody really had that opportunity to push them in a competitive situation, so we could see some drama,” Brundle said. The race could serve as a high-stakes shakedown for the new cars, revealing whether reliability and driver confidence hold up — or if the unknown factors produce a chaotic race.