F1 Canadian Grand Prix: Wet conditions expected for Sunday's Race in Montreal

The 2023 Canadian Grand Prix is taking place in Montreal, where rain is a definite possibility for the Formula 1 drivers. If rain comes, this will be the fourth straight rainy race, increasing the excitement and unknowns of the competition. There was rainfall during qualifying for last year's Canadian Grand Prix. With Fernando Alonso surprisingly slotted into second place, the lineup was unexpected. Already, weather has shown its influence on Formula 1 with the abandonment of the recent Emilia Romagna Grand Prix owing to floods and the late-race rain in Monaco. The third practice session and the qualifying round for the Spanish Grand Prix were both impacted by rain, demonstrating once again the power of nature. The Montreal event is almost approaching, and the prediction indicates that rain may play a major role once again. Even if rain happens on Thursday, there is still a chance that the track may be slippery at key points during the actual race weekend, which could change the outcome significantly.

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F1: Canadian Grand Prix Weather Forecast

It's likely that Friday's practice sessions will see a wide range of weather conditions. There is now a 35 per cent probability of precipitation during FP1, which is planned at 1:30-2:30 PM local time. The weather forecast is for a 19 per cent chance of precipitation during FP2, which starts at 5 pm, although clear skies are more probable. There is a near 50 per cent probability of rain throughout the morning, so even if it is not raining when the drivers go out for the first practice session, there is a risk of a soggy track. In addition, storms and a strong chance of substantial rainfall are in the forecast for Thursday.

There's a possibility for excitement on Saturday, as there's a 60 per cent probability of rain during FP3 from 12:30 to 1:30 in the afternoon. In addition to changing the grid locations, the timing of the rain also increases the possibility of a thrilling session. During qualifying, which begins at 4 p.m., the risk of rain remains at 61 per cent. It doesn't seem like rain will be an issue on Sunday, the race day. There is almost an equal probability of rain on Friday and Saturday, but a brighter prediction for Sunday is in the works. The weekend average temperature will be approximately 20 degree celsius, and there will be a 22 per cent probability of rain during the start of the race at 2 pm on Sunday, with no more than a 25 per cent possibility at any other time.

The possibility of rain at the Canadian Grand Prix raises the stakes and the level of difficulty for the Formula 1 drivers. The unpredictable weather this weekend has the ability to completely change the race, keeping the teams and viewers on the edge of their seats until the final flag drops.

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F1: Longest Race in History

Formula One had one of its longest races ever about 12 years ago. Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal hosted the event. The rain delayed the start of the race by an unbelievable four hours, four minutes, and forty-nine seconds.

Rain continued falling, delaying the start of the race. Driving on wet tracks is difficult and risky because drivers have a harder time getting a good grip. Even farther up, visibility was also poor. 

Hamilton had to take the long way around Turn 2 to avoid further contact after his collision with Webber, which dropped the Australian down the order, but Hamilton recovered those positions by passing McLaren teammate Jenson Button and Mercedes drivers Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher later in the lap. 

A little over four hours after the start of the Canadian Grand Prix, quiet was finally restored to a little island in the St. Lawrence River, and Jenson Button had won a feverishly frantic, almost bizarre race.