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Drivers wary of wet-weather unknowns with 2026 F1 cars, says Brundle
Martin Brundle believes several Formula 1 drivers are uneasy about how the new-generation 2026 cars could behave in heavy rain, with teams still lacking proper wet-weather experience under the revised regulations.
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Former Formula 1 driver and commentator Martin Brundle believes the grid is entering uncertain territory as the sport prepares for the first truly wet race conditions with the new 2026 machinery.
Formula 1 introduced sweeping technical changes this season, including revised aerodynamic concepts and updated power unit regulations. Although teams have already completed extensive mileage in dry conditions, opportunities to properly evaluate the cars in wet weather have so far been extremely limited.
Aside from a small amount of running during pre-season activity in Barcelona, teams still have little understanding of how the new cars will react in heavy rain, something Brundle says is causing concern among drivers.
“The drivers are all a little bit scared of just what these cars are going to be like in the rain,” he told Sky Sports News.
“They have got so much power and less downforce, less grip, and they don't know yet,” the former F1 driver added.
Forecasts currently suggest rain could affect Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, potentially providing the first real test of the new cars in difficult conditions.
Brundle believes that uncertainty could create an unpredictable race weekend.
"Nobody really had that opportunity to push them in a competitive situation, so we could see, could see some drama. Only one in the last eight grands prix in Montreal have gone without the Safety Car of some kind because if you crash, you remain on the race track, effectively. It's a pretty challenging layout in that respect, old school, and we love it," Brundle concluded.
