F1 Brazil GP LIVE: Qualifying delayed due to torrential rain in Sao Paulo
F1 live updates as qualifying is delayed due to horrendous weather in Sao Paulo
Lando Norris took another two points out of Max Verstappen’s championship lead after he won Saturday’s sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Pole-sitter Oscar Piastri obeyed a team order from McLaren to move aside for Norris on lap 22 of 24 at Interlagos, with Verstappen finishing third.
Norris’ victory takes him 45 points behind Verstappen with 132 points still available.
Norris enjoyed a strong getaway, with Piastri moving to his left to keep his McLaren team-mate behind. Verstappen started from fourth and locked up under braking for the opening corner but he managed to get his Red Bull to stop in time.
Follow all the latest updates from the Brazilian Grand Prix with The Independent
FIA UPDATE
“The rain intensity has now increased and visibility is getting worse.
“We will wait another 15 minutes. Nothing will happen before 16:45 earliest.”
I’d say it’s looking bleak, everyone.
The alternatives? Qualifying to take place tomorrow morning (though the weather is bad tomorrow too). Or perhaps use the grid from sprint qualifying for the race...
FIA UPDATE
“The Race Director has been on track for his inspection but there is still too much standing water.
“Latest estimation is 16:30 Qualifying start (to be confirmed).”
So that’s another push-back to 7:30pm (GMT).
Qualifying delayed
So, some drivers are in the garage and in their race-suits, but it’s still very wet out on track.
The safety car has been out on the track and is now back in the pits. There’s sweepers on the track as well.
“We have to wait a few more minutes,” says FIA race director Niels Wittich.
Officially, it’s still a 7:15pm (GMT) start.
NEW FIA UPDATE
“Latest estimation is 16:15 Qualifying start (to be confirmed).”
That’s 7:15pm in the UK, folks.
It’s stopped raining but the track is still very wet. We’ll wait and see...
FIA UPDATE:
“The current plan if conditions keep improving is to get Qualifying started for 16:00 (estimated start time).”
That’s 7pm (GMT).
Qualifying delayed
We’re expecting an update from the FIA at 6:30pm (BST) but the radar is not looking good as the rain continues to pour at Interlagos.
NEW: Qualifying delayed
The conditions are horrendous at Interlagos!
Heavy rain, thunder and lightning at the circuit and with no signs of stopping. The light is fading too, meaning a postponement could be on the cards with qualifying re-scheduled to tomorrow morning before the race.
Will keep you updated.
Max Verstappen receives penalty!
The verdict is in from the stewards and it is not good news for Max Verstappen.
The Red Bull driver receives a five-second penalty for that VSC infringement with Oscar Piastri - dropping him to fourth and costing him a point in the world championship.
Lando Norris downplays friendship with Max Verstappen: ‘I don’t talk to him’
Lando Norris has promised not to treat Max Verstappen “like s***” – despite playing down his friendship with the driver he is bidding to dethrone as world champion.
Norris will start Saturday’s sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix from second, two places ahead of Verstappen, after Oscar Piastri sealed a last-gasp pole position in the other McLaren.
Full quotes below:
Lando Norris downplays friendship with Max Verstappen: ‘I don’t talk to him’
Norris will start Saturday’s sprint race in Brazil from second, two places ahead of Verstappen
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