Canadian Grand Prix weather: Chance of rain decreasing for the race start

The Canadian Grand Prix is almost upon us, and the weather forecast in Montréal suggests a wet weekend might be on the way.

All conditions have been on the table at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in the past and, with the sport visiting several weeks earlier than last season, it is not due to be as warm as some seasons.

Canadian Grand Prix weather: What is the weekend’s forecast?

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Sunday 24 May [Canadian Grand Prix]

Although the drivers can expect a chilly and overcast day at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Sunday, the chance of rain during the Grand Prix has lessened.

While initially the forecast was for 80 per cent chance of rain, that has dropped to just 18 per cent.

Instead, the heavier rain is expected in the morning with the grand prix only getting underway at 4pm local time by which time the conditions are expected to have improved.

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How has the weather been at previous Canadian Grands Prix?

Due to its temperate climate, any conditions are possible in Montréal, with several races having been held at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in wet conditions in years gone by.

The most notable wet race in Canada was the 2011 event, which endured a mid-race rain delay of more than two hours and, come the finish, set a new record for the longest Formula 1 round ever from lights to flag at four hours, four minutes.

Jenson Button staged a thrilling comeback through the field to recover from early contact with his McLaren teammate, Lewis Hamilton, falling to last in the field and rising all the way back through, Button overtaking Sebastian Vettel on the last lap to take the most unlikely of wins.

With wet running having been limited in the 2026 machinery so far, former F1 driver Martin Brundle feels there could be action on the cards if a rainy race takes place.

“The drivers are all a little bit scared of just what these cars are going to be like in the rain,” he told Sky F1.

“They have got so much power and less downforce, less grip, and they don’t know yet.

“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.”

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