F1 Academy Highlights: 2026 Canadian GP Race Two Faces Uncertainty as Rain Threatens The 2026 Canadian Grand Prix’s second race on Sunday has become a focal point of speculation due to the unpredictable weather forecast, with rain posing a significant challenge for teams and drivers. Unlike the Miami Grand Prix three weeks prior, where dry conditions dominated, Montreal’s circuit—known for its narrow streets and minimal margin for error—could see a dramatic shift in strategy if the weather turns. The uncertainty stems from the lack of official wet sessions this season, leaving teams with limited data on how the 2026 cars and tyres will perform in the rain. While some teams have conducted limited wet testing, most have no experience with the 2026-spec vehicles under wet conditions. For example, Alpine tested at a wet Silverstone in January, and Mercedes had brief damp running during the W17’s initial outing. Ferrari and Red Bull, however, participated in a wet session during the Barcelona Shakedown, though these early tests were far from representative of the current car setup. More recently, Red Bull and Racing Bulls tested at Suzuka, while Lewis Hamilton conducted a dedicated wet tyre test at Fiorano. Alpine also ran at Magny-Cours with a 2025 “mule” car, but these efforts have not fully prepared teams for the complexities of the 2026 season. Pirelli’s development of the 2026 wet tyres has also been a challenge, as the manufacturer relied on modified mule cars with limited real-world data. Drivers like George Russell and Lando Norris have expressed concerns about the tyres’ performance in the rain. Russell noted that his experience with the 2025 wet tyres was “not a very good feeling,” citing multiple incidents of sliding into gravel and car damage.#mercedes #alpine #f1_academy #canadian_gp #pirelli
Doriane Pin Makes Mercedes History with First Formula 1 Test at Silverstone Doriane Pin has achieved a historic milestone in her motorsport career by completing her first Formula 1 test with Mercedes at Silverstone, marking a significant step forward for both the driver and the team’s development program. At 22, she became the first woman to drive a Mercedes F1 car and the first Frenchwoman to test modern Formula 1 machinery. The 2025 F1 Academy champion completed 76 laps of the 2.639-kilometer National Circuit, covering 200 kilometers in the Mercedes W12, the car that secured the 2021 Formula 1 constructors’ championship for the team with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. Pin’s test followed extensive simulator preparation, during which she was fully integrated into Mercedes’ engineering process before taking to the track. The French driver described the experience as “unreal,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity and the support of the team. She emphasized the challenges of adapting to the W12, noting its differences from the cars she had previously driven. “Everything is different, bigger and more powerful,” she said. “I am glad I was able to build confidence lap after lap and show what I was capable of.” Mercedes Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin highlighted Pin’s impact on the team, stating that her performance marked “another major step on what is proving to be a very exciting and promising career.” He praised her preparation and professionalism, noting that she “looked at home from the very first laps” and was able to drive the car “on the limit.” The test is part of a structured pathway within Mercedes, where Pin continues to gain experience through simulator work, engineering collaboration, and trackside support.#mercedes #doriane_pin #silverstone #f1_academy #andrew_shovlin
