The start of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix has been pushed back 90 minutes, with qualifying also taking place on Sunday morning, as bad weather wreaked havoc on the event’s schedule.
Qualifying was postponed until Sunday after heavy rain and thunderstorms prevented the session from going ahead as scheduled on Saturday.
In setting up a new timetable for Sunday, with qualifying set for 10.30am, sport chiefs then decided to push the start of the race back by 90 minutes to 3.30pm amid fears more rain was forecast for the afternoon.
Lando Norris wrapped up a sprint victory on Saturday to cut Max Verstappen’s world championship lead to 44 points, but rain, along with thunder and lightning, prevented any further action at Interlagos.
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Lewis Hamilton joked with Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali that drivers should have been allowed to go into qualifying in Brazil when the session was postponed due to torrential rain.
Qualifying was pushed back several times from the originally scheduled 6pm start on Saturday, but almost two hours after it had started, race director Nils Wittich officially called it off.
Formula 1 and the FIA said in a joint statement: “After the conditions in Sao Paulo today, the decision was made not to continue qualifying due to poor visibility, standing water on the track and fading light.
“Safety is always a priority in such circumstances and although as much time as possible was given to improve conditions, they unfortunately did not do so. We are very grateful to all the fans who stayed at the circuit hoping to see the cars on track today. .
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Lewis Hamilton joked with Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali that drivers should have been allowed to go into qualifying in Brazil when the session was postponed due to torrential rain.
“It has therefore been decided, after consultation with the stewards, to schedule qualifying at 07:30 local time (10:30 UK time) on Sunday morning before the Grand Prix at 12:30 local time (15:30 UK time). on the 30th).
“This will ensure we maximize the chances or give fans a great day of racing and both the FIA and Formula 1 believe this time change is necessary and the right thing to do for all our passionate fans.
“We thank everyone for their patience today, including the fans, drivers, teams, marshals, circuit staff and media, and we look forward to giving everyone an exciting event on Sunday.”
The stakes are extremely high considering that, including this weekend, there are only four rounds left in the title battle between Red Bull’s Verstappen and McLaren’s Norris.
While the newly revised plan seeks to avoid such a situation, there is the possibility of delays at Sunday’s famous circuit, whose unpredictable local weather system has contributed to some of the most memorable moments in Formula 1 history.
There is no provision in the sport’s current regulations dictating how the grid should be placed if further rain disrupts qualifying on Sunday, but the race was able to go ahead.
The FIA has confirmed Sky Sports News that a decision would be made by the stewards if necessary, but said their preferred option remains to play the qualifying round on Sunday morning.
When the weekend’s only practice classification was used, Norris was fastest and Verstappen 15th.
Another option would be to use the order set by Sprint Qualifying, which saw Norris finish second behind team-mate Oscar Piastri and Verstappen fourth.
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During a rain delay in qualifying, Ted Kravitz entered the Mercedes pit to try to call team principal Toto Wolff, who was away from Interlagos.
Regardless of how his qualifying position is confirmed, Verstappen will receive a five-place grid penalty for the race as a result of taking a new engine at the start of the weekend.
It is the first time since the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix that the qualifying session has been postponed until Sunday. The Suzuka event suffered the same fate in 2004 and 2010.
Qualifying for the 2015 United States Grand Prix was also postponed, while weather conditions meant that qualifying for the 2013 Australian Grand Prix was cut short.
Sky Sports F1 live Sao Paulo GP schedule
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Take a look back at the most dramatic moments from the São Paulo Grand Prix
Sunday, November 3
10:00. Sao Paulo qualifying meeting
10.30 am. SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX QUALIFICATION
At 14:00. Grand Prix Sunday. Sao Paulo GP meeting
15:30: SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
17.30. Checkered flag. Sao Paulo GP reaction
18.30: Ted’s Notebook
Formula 1 America’s triple whammy will conclude this weekend with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with every session live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month membership. no contract, cancel anytime
