Formula 1 heads into its first wet race of 2026 at the Canadian Grand Prix, with George Russell securing pole position ahead of Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli. Four-time champion Max Verstappen expects chaos in Sunday's conditions, particularly given the tight Montreal circuit where walls punish even minor errors.

The Mercedes pair survived contact during Saturday's Sprint race and remain free to compete for victory. However, rain transforms the challenge entirely, especially with 2026's new power units delivering massive torque while reducing overall downforce and grip. Russell acknowledged the difficulty of wet racing but expressed intrigue about the opportunities it creates.

Several drivers have tested the 2026 cars in wet conditions, including Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. For safety, the FIA will ban Straight Line Mode and Boost Mode in wet weather, limiting the complex aerodynamic systems that define this generation of Formula 1 cars.

Pierre Gasly completed extensive wet testing and warned competitors they will be shocked by the cars' behavior. Lando Norris expects an insanely tricky race, citing temperature challenges with intermediate and wet tires. The combination of high-powered cars on an unforgiving street circuit should produce dramatic racing.