Martin Brundle predicts Canadian GP drama as F1 drivers “are a little bit scared” of unknown

Former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle believes the current grid is “a little bit scared” of the prospect of driving the new regulation cars in wet weather.

As a potentially wet Canadian Grand Prix approaches, the paddock is bracing itself for what could be the first competitive rain-soaked session of the season.

“The drivers are all a little bit scared of just what these cars are going to be like in the rain. They have got so much power and less downforce, less grip, and they don’t know yet,” Brundle told Sky Sports News.

“Nobody really had that opportunity to push them in a competitive situation, so we 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.”

Beyond the weather, Brundle also touched on the development race. While multiple teams brought big upgrades to the Miami Grand Prix, Mercedes waited until Montreal to introduce its first substantial upgrade package of the season.

Pierre Gasly, Alpine

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

“These are brand-new regulations, and it’s going to be the story of the season with teams flip-flopping around with incredible changes and improvement as they learn all about the biggest change we’ve had in the history of Formula 1,” Brundle explained.

“Mercedes are pretty confident. They’re not going to put stuff on the car that’s slower, so we’ll just see where they all stand. It’s a different track layout completely to Miami, lots of long straights and slow corners and chicanes.”

The Canadian Grand Prix weekend at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will take place on 22-24 May and will include the third sprint race of 2026.