The rain forecast for the Formula 1 Canadian GP is a concern among teams due to the limited experience with the 2026 power units on a wet track. Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, stated that the lack of testing in these conditions could become a decisive factor in Montreal.
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According to him, some teams managed to test the new cars in the rain, such as Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton, during a Pirelli session in Fiorano held in April. McLaren, however, has not yet had this type of experience in 2026:
“Regarding the wet session, some teams had the opportunity to test and drive in wet conditions,” said Stella. The manager highlighted that this could represent an advantage for those who already know the behavior of the new power units in adverse conditions. “I really think this is an advantage because there is uncertainty regarding the behavior of the power unit,” he explained.
Stella also stated that difficulties already appear on a dry track and tend to increase in the rain. Additionally, he pointed out that the Montreal circuit makes it difficult to warm up the tires due to having few high-speed corners and a very smooth asphalt.
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“Therefore, the power unit certainly remains a variable element that is concerning,” he said.
For the McLaren chief, the combination of lack of testing, rain, and tire behavior makes the Canadian GP a race full of unknowns.
“There are so many variables to discover, since we don’t have much experience in the rain, and there is a slight advantage for those who tested.”
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