Formula 1 Set for First Wet Race of 2026 at Canadian Grand Prix Amid Predicted Chaos The Canadian Grand Prix is set for its first wet race of 2026 on Sunday, with four-time world champion Max Verstappen warning of "chaos" due to the unpredictable conditions. The race, held at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, will test drivers’ skills as the new 2026 power units create a huge amount of torque, leading to drivers spinning up their rear wheels and sliding, which will seriously test their skill. The forecast of rain has shifted focus from the Mercedes front row of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, who made contact during Saturday’s Sprint race, to the potential for a dramatic showdown in the wet. Russell, the pole-sitter, expressed confidence in his ability to adapt to the conditions, acknowledging the difficulty of wet races but emphasizing his readiness. "I do really enjoy the rain. It does offer some opportunities, and the pace of the guys around us look really strong in the dry in the Sprint," he said. Antonelli, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of tire management, noting that the first few laps would determine the race’s outcome. "It's going to be all new for everyone and whoever can get the most out of tyres in terms of temp in the first few laps can make a difference, but it's going to be very challenging," he added. The race grid features a mix of teams and drivers, with Mercedes’ Russell and Antonelli starting on the front row, followed by Lando Norris (McLaren), Oscar Piastri (McLaren), Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), Verstappen (Red Bull), and others. The new 2026 power units, designed to generate massive torque, will complicate matters further. These engines, which allow drivers to spin up their rear wheels and slide, require precise control, especially in the wet.#mercedes #max_verstappen #formula_1 #canadian_grand_prix #circuit_gilles_villeneuve
