Pirelli's Simone Berra warns that a wet Canadian Grand Prix could become "the perfect storm" for Formula 1. Cold air temperatures of just 11-12°C combined with the low-energy Circuit Gilles Villeneuve layout would make tyre temperature management extremely difficult. Unlike Miami's warmer conditions, Montreal's chill means drivers struggle to bring intermediates up to operating range.

The challenge intensifies because Pirelli never designed these compounds for such cold weather. Even with tyre blankets increased to 70°C for intermediates, drivers like Max Verstappen fear the rubber will cool rapidly on the circuit's long straights. This could force teams to rely on full wets instead of intermediates - an unusual scenario that might actually be faster in these conditions.

Adding complexity, the 2026 cars face their first wet-weather test in these extreme circumstances. Oscar Piastri notes power units dislike inconsistency, which rain inevitably creates. The FIA has issued rain hazard declarations with ride-height modifications and reduced MGU-K deployment, but drivers remain unconvinced these measures will ensure driveability. Verstappen called the cars "not how they should be in the rain," citing reduced downforce and less responsive hybrid engines in wet conditions.