FIA declare a Rain Hazard for 2026 Canadian Grand Prix

The first Rain Hazard of the 2026 season has been declared | Credit: Formula One

Ahead of the 2026 edition of the Canadian Grand Prix, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) declared a Rain Hazard. The decision was made after the current weather forecast, including the “Official Weather Service” showcased at least a 40% chance of rain on race day. 

Issued by Rui Marques, the FIA Formula One Race Director, to all the teams, he cited that the decision had been made following Article B1.5.11 of the Sporting Regulations. With this official decision declared, teams will have to adjust their plans and set-ups accordingly ahead of Sunday’s race.

Racing in Montreal ahead of its usual slot in the F1 calendar, the unpredictability of weather in this part of North America has often been a staple part of the Canadian Grand Prix weekend. On this occasion, temperatures are set to be between anywhere from 10°C to 16°C. These are some of the lowest that have been seen at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve so far in 2026. 

Despite all the racing action that F1 has seen over the first four race weekends of the season, the spectacle of wet weather racing with this new generation of cars has evaded fans. However, the FIA have been well-prepared for this situation to ensure driver safety above all else as reflected in the latest set of refinements. 

The start time for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix meant that the race took place with only a few showers | Credit: Formula One

The recent refinements to the 2026 regulations included an updated list of instructions for teams when racing in the rain. These refinements include the teams being required to use tyre blankets on the intermediate tyres to ensure they reach the minimum required temperature, a reduction of maximum levels of the Energy Recovery System [ERS] and a new procedure on their car lights. 

Although F1 fans were close to seeing racing in the rain in Miami, the severity of weather conditions on that occasion including the threat of thunderstorms changed the nature of that discussion. Given local laws about thunderstorms and racing events, preventative action by F1 and the FIA meant that an altered race start was implemented to avoid any conditions in which racing could not take place at all. 

With the Rain Hazard now declared, there can be no doubt that the FIA will continue to monitor the situation before deciding if further action needs to take place.