On the Pirelli website, it has been confirmed that the same tyre allocation as Miami last time out will be on offer - the three softest compounds in its range: C3 as the hard tyre, C4 as the medium and C5 as the soft. As usual with Sprint weekends, only 12 sets will be available as opposed to 13 - two sets of the hard, four sets of the medium and six sets of soft, along with six sets of intermediates and three sets of full wets.

In their weekend preview, Pirelli provided insight into the challenges facing the drivers in Montreal. Pirelli said: "The track surface, which was resurfaced in 2024, is smooth and low in abrasiveness. It is used for motor racing only during the Formula 1 weekend and, as a result, the circuit evolves very quickly not only over the three days but also within each individual session.

Pirelli also note the "stop-and-go nature" of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, pinpointing braking stability and maximum traction as crucial factors coming into the weekend. The track is virtually a street circuit, but that does not mean we won't be treated to overtaking, as Pirelli explain.

As mentioned, weather could play a role at the weekend. Conditions have been predicted to be cool and dry during both Friday and Saturday's action, but wind and rain could pick up on race day.

Pirelli said: "As always in Montreal, the weather could play a significant role for the teams. Not only because of the chance of rain, but also due to temperatures that could be cooler than usual given the change of date. Teams may therefore have to carefully evaluate the best ways of bringing the tyres up to the correct operating temperature, particularly in qualifying."

As for tyre strategies during the weekend, the Italian tyre supplier believes softs will be the strongest options for Saturday's Sprint Race, but preview a more cautious approach on Sunday. A one-stop on the medium and hards could very well be the way to go for the Grand Prix.

"The Soft is clearly the compound with the best warm‑up of the three and will offer optimal grip over a single lap. It could therefore be the favourite for Saturday’s Sprint, but the following day teams may opt for a more conservative approach, tackling the Grand Prix on the two harder compounds. As seen in Miami, teams tend to favour cautious choices in the race, where a one‑stop strategy could again be preferred this year," Pirelli concluded.

Meanwhile, former F1 driver and Sky pundit Martin Brundle has suggested the grid is a "little bit scared" of how the 2026 cars will perform in wet weather conditions.

Brundle said: "The drivers are all a little bit scared of just what these cars are going to be like in the rain. They have got so much power and less downforce, less grip, and they don't know yet.