Heavy Rain Forces Delay in Brazilian GP Qualifying

Interlagos Deluge Delays Brazil GP Qualifying Until Sunday

Heavy rain at Interlagos has postponed Brazilian GP qualifying, with unsafe conditions delaying action until further notice on Sunday.

After a Sprint victory by Lando Norris, marked by a McLaren 1-2 finish, it’s now time to determine the starting grid for Sunday’s race. However, an unexpected guest has arrived in São Paulo, as the previous 28-degree heat has given way to torrential rain.

McLaren’s drivers were favourites for pole position before this change in weather, but they’ll now need to navigate the challenges posed by the conditions and fend off Ferrari and Mercedes, who may also capitalise on the situation.

Max Verstappen remains a contender for the fastest time, yet the Red Bull driver has incurred a five-place grid penalty for an engine change, meaning he won’t start from pole regardless of his qualifying result.

With a completely resurfaced track, the rain could prove tricky, as it often draws out oil from the tarmac. Let’s hope the cleaning work done on the asphalt has minimised this effect.

18:51: Qualifying is delayed due to rain. An update is expected at 19:00 French time.

19:00: The track is currently impassable, with the next update set for 19:30.

19:30: The FIA announces an “estimated start time” for the qualifying session at 20:00 French time.

19:45: The start time is now estimated at 20:15.

19:58: The air temperature is 19 degrees, and the track temperature stands at 24 degrees, with humidity at a full 94%.

20:02: The estimated start time for qualifying is now 20:30.

20:15: The start time is now anticipated at 20:45.

20:24: 20:24: Major development! Red Bull has called for an investigation into McLaren and potentially other teams, as Max Verstappen’s team accuses its main rival of using water within the wheels to cool tyres during the race. The FIA is reportedly already examining the matter (read more here).

20:31: The session has now been delayed until 21:00, French time.

20:46: Qualifying has officially been postponed, though the exact timing remains unclear. It will take place tomorrow, but as for the hour… we’ll keep you updated as soon as we know more!

Heavy Rain Forces Delay in Brazilian GP Qualifying

20:54: “We can’t control the weather; it’s unfortunate, but conditions simply aren’t safe enough for running, and darkness is setting in,” stated Domenicali. “The plan is for the FIA to assess timings to reschedule qualifying accordingly, as this is a fantastic event, and we want to make the most of it—provided conditions allow.”

20:57: FIA statement on the postponement of qualifying and when Sunday’s timing will be confirmed:

“Qualifying for the São Paulo Grand Prix has been postponed.”

“This decision was made due to poor visibility caused by the heavy rainfall experienced over recent hours. There is significant standing water on parts of the track, creating hazardous conditions.”

“While we all want to see racing, the safety of drivers, team members, volunteers, officials, and spectators remains our top priority.”

“A decision regarding tomorrow morning’s qualifying start time will be made as soon as possible.”

21:01: Lewis Hamilton interrupted Stefano Domenicali: “You should have sent us out on track! This is ridiculous. There was a window for us to go. If you provide better wet tyres and warming blankets, we could run. It’s just stupid.”

22:47 – The FIA has now confirmed that qualifying for the São Paulo Grand Prix will commence at 7:30 am local time (11:30 am in France), just five hours ahead of the race start in Brazil, which will take place earlier than originally planned.

In line with F1’s sporting regulations, the grid formation session must be completed at least three hours prior to the Grand Prix start time.

The race was initially scheduled for 2 pm local time (6 pm in France), but due to adverse weather forecasts, the start time has been brought forward by 90 minutes to 12:30 pm local time, or 4:30 pm in France.