Pirelli has sent a clear message to the drivers ahead of a potentially rain-soaked 2026 Canadian Grand Prix: wet tires could be the best option right from the start.
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The weather forecast predicts a fully wet Sunday in Montreal, with showers expected around the start time, set for 4:00 PM local time. Under these conditions, the Canadian Grand Prix could quickly turn into a race of total uncertainty.
Between low temperatures, a soaked track, and reduced visibility, teams are already preparing for a situation very different from the usual scenarios seen in recent seasons.
Wet tires back in the spotlight
In this context, Pirelli believes that the traditional intermediate tires may not be the most effective solution. Simone Berra, a manager at the Italian manufacturer, even encourages teams to seriously consider using extreme wet tires right from the start.
“This is the perfect scenario” he explained, referring to unusual conditions with only 11 to 12 degrees expected and an extremely cold track.
According to him, this type of setup could make intermediate tires particularly difficult to use, due to a lack of a sufficient temperature window to function properly.
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A possible strategic hierarchy reversal
Usually rarely used in races, wet tires could this time become the most effective weapon, especially in the first laps. Pirelli also recalls that in a similar situation during the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix, some teams had already tried this gamble successfully.
“The wet tire could be more effective than the intermediate in these conditions” Berra emphasizes, highlighting the difficulty in maintaining the temperature of intermediate tires.
If the rain holds, teams will have to make crucial strategic choices right from the starting grid. Between risks of red flags, safety cars, and constant grip variations, this Grand Prix could quickly shift into an unpredictable scenario.
One thing is certain: in Montreal, the weather could play a role as important as the drivers themselves.
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