Formula 1 teams and drivers will likely need to be prepared for “intense” showers over the course of the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix weekend.
The official weather forecast for the event point towards a repeat of 2022 with a risk of rain present across the weekend and a possibility of showers that could influence Saturday’s qualifying. The race is expected to be dry.
A low-pressure weather system over Quebec will bring unsettled conditions on Friday which look set to deteriorate over the course of the day with second practice at 5 pm local time at threat of sharp showers.
The rain is expected to persist and grow heavier come Saturday with an 80 per cent risk of rain in place. It is therefore highly likely that both final practice and qualifying will both be impacted by the weather.
The weather is expected to improve in time for the race on Sunday, although the threat of rain will not disappear. Forecasters have officially estimated a 40 per cent chance of rain for the race, although that may change in the coming days.
Any rainfall will come as a relief to many in the area after a dry spell resulted in wildfires in the region last week.
Smoke from the fires continued to reach Montreal earlier this week, although the air quality has now improved.
F1 had addressed the wildfires last week, saying they did not expect them to jeopardise the running of the event.
