Heavy rainfall over the Interlagos circuit area on Saturday forced the postponement of the São Paulo GP qualifying session in Formula 1, rescheduling it for Sunday and shifting the event timings, with the race set to start earlier.
After more than an hour of waiting, qualifying was ultimately postponed due to the poor visibility, low light, and standing water on the track. Officials allowed as much time as possible for conditions to improve, but the weather remained unfavorable.
The rescheduled qualifying will now take place on Sunday at 07:30 a.m. local time (11h30 a.m. CET), with the race moved up to 12h30 local time (16:30 CET) to accommodate possible weather issues in the afternoon.
A joint statement from the FIA and Formula 1 explained: ‘Following the conditions in São Paulo today the decision was taken not to proceed with Qualifying due to poor visibility, standing water on the track and fading light. Safety is always the paramount consideration in such circumstances and while as much time as possible was given to allow conditions to improve they sadly did not. […]. Therefore the decision has been taken, after consultation with the stewards, to schedule Qualifying for 07h30 local time on Sunday morning ahead of the Grand Prix at 12h30 local. This will ensure we maximise the chances of providing the fans with a day of racing action, given the ongoing weather forecast for tomorrow afternoon, and both the FIA and Formula 1 believe this time change is necessary and the right thing to do for all our passionate fans.’.
