Russell warns of serious crash risk if Brazil wet conditions return in race

Formula 1's 2026 cars proved they can run on full wet tyres in Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying, but Mercedes driver George Russell said the conditions were too dangerous for a race. He warned that the chances of a serious incident would be very high if the same weather were repeated during a race.

The wet tyre had not been used in anger earlier this season, with intermediates the default choice in wet conditions. In Brazil, standing water became too deep for the intermediate tread, forcing the wet tyre into use. Its deeper tread and lower operating range were less prone to aquaplaning and ran at a better temperature.

Changes to energy deployment in low-grip conditions also meant drivers were not overwhelmed with power. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said the cars behaved differently in the wet, where they appeared more compliant than in the dry.