Canadian GP: Rain to cause ‘chaos’ in Sunday’s race with Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli on pole for George Russell | F1 News

Formula 1 is set for its first wet race of 2026 at the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday with “chaos” predicted by four-time world champion Max Verstappen.

A dry race was forecast, with all eyes on the Mercedes front row after George Russell and Kimi Antonelli made contact in Saturday’s sprint in their thrilling battle.

The Mercedes pair are still free to race but may have to face the challenge of rain on a circuit that punishes even the smallest mistakes, given its proximity to the wall.

“I really enjoy the rain. It gives some opportunities, and in the dry in the sprints the pace of the guys around us looks really strong,” said pole-sitter Russell.

“I’m definitely interested to see how it’s going to pan out in the rain. It’s not going to be easy. It’s not easy racing in the wet at the best of times, but we’re both in the best place to start it, so looking forward to seeing what happens.”

Antonelli added: “It’s going to be new for everyone and whoever can get the most out of the tires in terms of temperature in the first few laps can make a difference, but it’s going to be very challenging.”

‘You will be shocked’

Four drivers actually finished testing or pitted in the 2026 car rain – Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly.

The new 2026 power units produce massive amounts of torque that lead drivers to spin and slide their rear wheels, seriously testing their skills.

For safety reasons, in wet conditions, the FIA ​​may prohibit straight line mode – which is when the front and rear wings open on the straights to reduce drag. Boost mode, when drivers can deploy an extra 350kW of power out of corners is also prohibited in the wet.

“I think (the race) will be chaos regardless of the weather,” said Verstappen, who raced in damp conditions at the Barcelona shakedown in January. Sky Sports F1.

Gasly, who starts 14th for Sunday’s race, joked earlier that he had “changed his underwear every lap” after running this year’s Alpine in the wet at Silverstone in January.

The Frenchman also completed two days of wet weather testing at Magny-Cours in France to develop next year’s wet tyres, and alerted the rest of the grid to his experience.

“You guys will be shocked. I’m glad I worked these two days. It’s going to be interesting for you,” he said.

“I mean, I had Silverstone on January 20, which was memorable and I think will stay with me forever. But Magny-Cours was also something.”

Can Ferrari threaten to win?

Both Ferrari drivers not only have experience of rain in the current 2026 car, but their biggest weakness, straight line speed, will not be a significant factor on Sunday.

The Ferrari was very strong in the corners, suggesting they have the same downforce levels as the Mercedes and McLaren. But, Leclerc thinks the low temperatures in the rain will actually be a disadvantage for Ferrari.

“It’s going to be tough for everyone. The only thing that worries me is I’ve had a nightmare weekend with the temperatures and it won’t be any better in the wet,” he said.

Lando Norris, who is Mercedes’ closest rival in Canada this weekend, expressed similar concerns and expects a “very difficult” race.

The McLaren driver said: “It’s hard enough to get up to temperature on a soft tyre, let alone 10 degrees colder and we’ll have inters and wets in the car.

“I’m excited, very, very excited to see how it’s going to pan out.”

Sky Sports F1Its Martin Brandel believes the track is “old-school” with a combination of elements and plenty of drama

“The drivers are all a little afraid of just how these cars will do in the rain. They’ve got so much power and less downforce, less grip, and they don’t know yet,” he said.

“Nobody’s really had a chance to push them in a competitive situation, so you can see some drama. Only one of the last eight Grands Prix in Montreal has gone without some sort of safety car because if you crash, you’re effectively on the race track.”

Sky Sports F1’s Canadian GP schedule

Sunday 24th May
3.40pm: F1 Academy Race 3
5pm: F2 Feature Race
7.30pm: Canadian GP Build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
9pm: Canadian Grand Prix*
11am: Canadian GP reaction: Checkered flag*
12am: Ted’s Notebook*

*Also on Sky Sports main events

Formula 1 is in Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix and another sprint weekend. Watch live on Sky Sports F1, Sunday’s race at 9pm. Stream Sky Sports now – no contract, cancel anytime