Qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix, originally scheduled for yesterday, was postponed due to sudden and heavy rain that hit the Sao Paulo region. Organizers announced that the start of the Formula 1 race will take place at 12:30 local time (16:30 in Italy) on the Interlagos circuit.

Rain disrupted the plans for the GP, forcing the cars to remain in the pits instead of taking to the track as scheduled at 15:00 local time. An unexpected downpour made the track impassable, with the new Interlagos asphalt showing drainage difficulties. After a long wait, the race direction decided to postpone qualifying due to the numerous puddles and the risk of aquaplaning, aggravated by the decrease in light as the evening falls. The FIA ​​announced that a new decision on the qualifying time would be made as soon as possible.

In the sprint race, McLaren dominated with Lando Norris taking the win and Oscar Piastri in second. Max Verstappen, who had started on the podium, was penalised with a five-second penalty for breaking the rules during the virtual safety car period, handing over third place to Charles Leclerc. This reduced Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ championship to 44 points over Norris, with 26 points up for grabs in tomorrow’s race. To take his first sprint win, Norris benefited from a strategy with Piastri, who started from pole but ceded the position to him with two laps to go after the two agreed upon.

Piastri confirmed that the decision had been planned in advance and Norris expressed gratitude but also regret for not being able to win alone. The race was also difficult for Verstappen, who had to accept a mechanical issue on Nico Hulkenberg’s Haas and was demoted to third place. Leclerc was a virtual podium finisher thanks to Verstappen’s penalty, while Carlos Sainz finished fifth and George Russell sixth. With the weather forecast for tomorrow unknown, qualifying will take place at a time yet to be announced. Verstappen will start sixth due to a penalty for an over-the-limit engine change.