Pirelli weigh up tyre options at Canadian GP amid wet-weather risk

Pirelli has confirmed the tyre compounds for the first-ever Sprint weekend at the Canadian Grand Prix, bringing the three softest compounds (C3, C4, C5) to Montreal. With a 60% chance of rain on Sunday, teams face a strategic puzzle around tyre warm-up and durability. Martin Brundle adds that drivers are 'a little bit scared' of how the 2026 cars will handle wet conditions, given reduced downforce and increased power.

Why it matters:

• The Canadian GP is traditionally unpredictable, and this year’s cooler dates and potential rain amplify the challenge. Tyre strategy could decide the race, especially with only 12 sets available due to the Sprint format.
• The 2026 cars’ lower downforce and higher power output make wet-weather performance a major unknown, as noted by Brundle. This weekend may provide the first competitive test in rain.

The details:

• Tyre allocation: 2 hard (C3), 4 medium (C4), 6 soft (C5), plus 6 intermediates and 3 full wets. Same compounds as Miami.
• Track evolution: The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve was resurfaced in 2024 and evolves quickly. Graining was a factor last year but may be reduced with the new tyres.
• Strategy: Pirelli expects the soft compound to dominate Saturday’s Sprint, while a one-stop (medium→hard) is likely for Sunday’s Grand Prix. Teams may favour cautious approaches.
• Brundle’s warning: 'The drivers are all a little bit scared of what these cars are going to be like in the rain. They have so much power and less downforce, less grip, and they don't know yet.' Only one of the last eight Montreal GPs has run without a Safety Car.

What's next:

• Friday and Saturday should stay dry and cool, but Sunday’s rain risk could produce a chaotic race. Teams will need to carefully manage tyre temperature windows, especially in qualifying.
• If rain hits, the 2026 cars’ behaviour in the wet will be closely watched—and could be a deciding factor in the championship.