Pirelli, F1 Drivers Warn 12C Canadian GP Could Trigger Wet-Tyre Chaos

10 articles · Updated · Motorsport.com · May 24

11-12C air temperatures and Montreal’s long straights could make Sunday the first wet race for F1’s 2026 cars—and one Pirelli calls a “perfect storm” for tyre warm-up and grip.
Pirelli says intermediates are the biggest risk on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, where tyres cool on the straights and may never regain temperature; in an unusual reversal, full wets could be faster.
70C tyre blankets for intermediates—up from standard settings—should help only for the opening laps, with Pirelli saying extra heat cannot stop temperatures from falling once cars are running.
Max Verstappen said tyres that stay too cold feel “like driving on ice,” while Oscar Piastri warned the new power units are hard to manage in rain and even team simulations have not produced clear answers.
The FIA has issued a rain hazard declaration again, allowing ride-height changes and cutting MGU-K deployment to 250 kW from 350, but drivers still doubt the 2026 cars will be properly driveable in cold wet conditions.

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