Formula 1 teams face growing concerns about how the 2026 cars will handle wet conditions, with limited testing in low-grip scenarios. The new regulations, which shift more power delivery to electrical motors, create unique challenges for deceleration and stability when rain hits the track.

Visibility issues from the 2022 aerodynamic changes already complicated wet racing, as ground-effect designs channeled more water through the slipstream. Now teams worry about the electrical harvesting systems' impact on car behavior during acceleration and braking. Haas driver Oliver Bearman noted that driving the new car in damp conditions revealed significant uncertainties about performance at high speeds.

A planned wet-weather test before the Australian Grand Prix will use 'mule cars' on artificially wetted tracks rather than actual race cars, limiting its usefulness for teams. Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane explained that the powerful MGU-K system, capable of deceleration without rear brakes in dry conditions, could create stability issues when grip is reduced. Teams like Red Bull and Ferrari opted against wet testing in Barcelona, citing the risk of damaging their single cars without spare parts. With the season opener approaching and minimal real-world wet data, teams must rely on simulations while acknowledging that actual race conditions may reveal unexpected challenges.