New Pirelli chief dives headfirst into turmoil in Montreal.

      Pirelli has arrived in Montreal facing significant scrutiny, coinciding with the company transitioning into a new leadership era in Formula 1. The French publication L’Equipe has reported that Mario Isola, who led Formula 1 for a long time, has stepped back from his position, with engineer Dario Marrafuschi now overseeing Pirelli’s F1 operations.

      Marrafuschi takes on this role during a particularly challenging time. Drivers in the Montreal paddock have expressed their apprehension regarding the performance of Pirelli's wet tyres under the contentious new 2026 regulations, especially with rain predicted for the Canadian GP on Sunday. George Russell voiced that drivers are becoming increasingly worried. "They don’t seem to believe the tyres are adequate," the Mercedes driver stated. "These tyres only appear to perform well when they are heated." With the ambient temperature expected to be only 12 or 13 degrees tomorrow, Russell anticipates considerable challenges.

      Fernando Alonso cautioned that the race may turn into a survival challenge. "This track has low grip even when it's dry, so I expect it to be tough for everyone to finish the race," he remarked. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar, who conducted wet testing for Pirelli earlier this year, was particularly forthright. "I don’t believe these tyres are suitable for a race with 22 cars," said the Red Bull driver. "There’s a lack of grip and it's very hard to reach the necessary temperature."

      Additionally, Pirelli is attentively observing the rapidly increasing development pace of the 2026 cars. In Montreal, engineer Simone Berra acknowledged that the tyre supplier is keeping a close eye on the heightened loads being created as teams aggressively upgrade their vehicles. "Our focus is on the upcoming event," Berra stated. "We’re monitoring the situation."

      According to Berra, Barcelona, following Monaco, will serve as a crucial benchmark for assessing how swiftly the new-generation cars are developing. "Right now, we lack clarity," he said. "There will be another significant milestone here, and I believe there will be one more in Barcelona." Berra also refuted claims that Pirelli is advocating for reduced downforce in the 2027 regulations to alleviate tyre stress. "Honestly, I can assert that we, and I personally, have not lobbied for a reduction in downforce," he asserted.

      Nonetheless, with Formula 1 already engaging in discussions about potential engine, chassis, and aerodynamic adjustments for 2027, Pirelli is under heightened pressure to respond swiftly. "We need to establish targets quickly and react promptly to these initial races," Berra expressed. "If adjustments are necessary, we must implement those changes in the upcoming tests."