Qualifying for the Brazilian GP was postponed to Sunday after heavy rain

SAO PAULO – Qualifying for Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix has been postponed until 7:30 a.m. local time on Sunday due to heavy rain at the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo.

Less than an hour before the scheduled start time of 3 p.m., a thunderstorm hit the circuit, followed by persistent rain.

After confirming the session would be delayed, the FIA ​​carried out track inspections every 15 minutes before confirming the postponement at 4:45 p.m. local time.

“Due to today’s conditions in São Paulo, the decision was made not to continue qualifying due to poor visibility, standing water on the track and fading light,” the FIA ​​said in a statement.

“Safety is always paramount in such circumstances and whilst as much time as possible was given to allow conditions to improve, unfortunately this was not done. We would like to thank all the fans who stayed at the racetrack and hoped to see cars on the track today.” .

“Therefore, after consultation with the stewards, the decision was made to schedule qualifying for 7:30 a.m. local time on Sunday morning, ahead of the Grand Prix at 12:30 p.m. local time. By doing this we ensure we maximize the opportunities or give the fans a chance.” Day of racing action and both the FIA ​​and Formula 1 believe this time change is necessary and the right thing for all of our passionate fans.

“We thank everyone for their patience today, including fans, drivers, teams, marshals, track staff and media, and hope to provide everyone with an exciting event on Sunday.”

The last time a qualifying session was delayed until race day was at the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix, when Typhoon Hagibis made landfall on qualifying day.

Saturday's sprint race took place on Saturday morning in dry conditions. Lando Norris secured victory after his teammate Oscar Piastri was ordered by McLaren to give up the lead.

Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix looks set to be a crucial moment in the title fight between Max Verstappen and Norris, with the Red Bull driver leading the McLaren driver by 44 points after Saturday's sprint race.

Verstappen faces a penalty of five places on the grid regardless of where he qualified for Sunday's race after his Red Bull was fitted with a different engine on Friday that exceeded his quota for the season.