The beginning time for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix was introduced ahead 90 minutes, with qualifying additionally happening on Sunday morning, as unhealthy climate wreaked havoc on the occasion schedule.
Qualifying was postponed to Sunday after heavy rain and thunderstorms prevented Saturday’s race from going forward as scheduled.
When setting out Sunday’s new schedule – with qualifying set to happen at 10.30am – organizers additionally determined to maneuver the race 90 minutes ahead to three.30pm as a consequence of issues over additional rain anticipated within the afternoon.
Lando Norris claimed a dash victory earlier on Saturday to chop Max Verstappen’s world championship result in 44 factors, however a downpour and Lightning prevented additional racing at Interlagos.
Qualifying, initially scheduled to begin at 6pm on Saturday, had been postponed a number of instances, however race director Niels Wittich formally canceled the race almost two hours after the scheduled begin time.
Components 1 and the FIA mentioned in a joint assertion: “Primarily based on the situations in Sao Paulo right now, as a consequence of poor visibility, water on the monitor and low mild, it has been determined to not proceed with qualifying.
“Security is all the time a very powerful consideration in conditions like this and though we got as a lot time as doable to enhance situations, sadly it didn’t occur. We’re very grateful to everybody who stayed on monitor and hoped to see the automobile take to the monitor right now. street automobile followers.
“Subsequently, in session with the race stewards, we’ve determined to schedule qualifying for Sunday morning at 07:30 native time (10.30am UK), adopted by the Grand Prix at 12:30 native time (3.30pm UK).
“This may guarantee we maximize alternatives or present one-day racing alternatives for followers. Each the FIA and Components 1 consider this transformation is important and the appropriate factor to do for all our passionate followers. .
“We thank everybody for his or her endurance right now, together with followers, drivers, groups, officers, monitor workers and media, and hope Sunday might be an thrilling race for everybody.”
With simply 4 rounds left within the title battle between Purple Bull’s Verstappen and McLaren’s Norris, together with this weekend, the stakes are extraordinarily excessive.
Whereas the newly revised schedule goals to keep away from this, additional delays are nonetheless doable on Sunday on the well-known monitor, the place unpredictable native climate programs have contributed to a few of the most memorable moments in Components One historical past.
There isn’t a provision within the sport’s present guidelines for the way the grid might be arrange if additional rain prevents qualifying on Sunday, however the race went forward.
FIA confirmed sky sports activities information Stewards will decide if mandatory, however mentioned their desire stays for qualifying on Sunday morning.
If the rankings from the one observe session of the weekend are used, Norris is quickest, whereas Verstappen is fifteenth.
One other chance is to make use of the order set by dash qualifying, with Norris second behind team-mate Oscar Piastri and Verstappen fourth.
No matter how qualifying positions are decided, Verstappen will obtain a bottom-five grid penalty within the race for switching to a brand new engine in the beginning of the weekend.
That is the primary time for the reason that 2019 Japanese Grand Prix that qualifying has been postponed to Sunday. The 2004 and 2010 Suzuka races suffered the identical destiny.
Qualifying for the 2015 United States Grand Prix was additionally postponed, whereas qualifying for the 2013 Australian Grand Prix was reduce brief as a consequence of climate.
Sky Sports activities F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix dwell schedule
Sunday, November 3
10 a.m. Sao Paulo Qualifiers
10.30am: São Paulo Grand Prix qualifying
2pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Preparations for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix
3.30pm: Grand Prix of Sao Paulo
5.30pm: Checkered flag: Sao Paulo Grand Prix response
6.30pm: Ted’s Pocket book
The Components 1 Americas tripleheader concludes with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, with each race dwell on Sky Sports activities F1. Watch every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Monthly Membership – no contract, cancel anytime