Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying DELAYED as FIA issue statement

The all-important F1 qualifying session for the main race at the Brazilian Grand Prix has been delayed after an official statement from the FIA.

Following Saturday's thrilling sprint race, which was won by championship challenger Lando Norris, attentions switched to qualifying for the main race.

F1 HEADLINES: Verstappen hit with NEW FIA penalty as Red Bull announce Perez change

F1 RESULTS: Verstappen beaten as F1 star forced out with SHOCK retirement

Max Verstappen, who was given a five-second penalty in the sprint earlier on Saturday to demote him to fourth, also had to contend with a five-place grid penalty for Sunday's main race, having changed his internal combustion engine (ICE).

It meant that qualifying in Brazil was crucial for the three-time champion, as he seeks to limit damage to his championship lead this weekend.

Brazilian GP qualifying delayed by torrential rain

Less than 20 minutes from the expected start of the all-important qualifying session, the FIA announced that it would be delayed, due to adverse weather conditions.

Thundery showers had been forecasted at the circuit for much of Saturday and Sunday, with a 60% chance of rain falling during qualifying.

However, the arrival of a huge weather front just ahead of the session forced the FIA to act, with the sport's governing body announcing in an official statement that teams were being allowed to close their garage doors in order to keep everything dry.

The rain is coming down!! ?️#BrazilGP ?? pic.twitter.com/7RgyK4BgnE

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) November 2, 2024

The FIA then revealed that qualifying would be delayed, with an update later suggesting that qualifying could get underway in wet conditions. However, after a lot of delaying of the proposed start time, the FIA eventually announced that it had been called off for Saturday.

The Sky Sports F1 team were forced to cover under a roofed section of the paddock, with torrential rain also causing Red Bull team principal Christian Horner to sprint inside for the safety of the Red Bull hospitality suite.

READ MORE: FIA announce Verstappen PENALTY verdict after pivotal Brazilian Grand Prix incident

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Lewis Hamilton is 'a sweet, classy gentleman', Hollywood A-Lister gushes over F1 superstar

• 56 minutes ago

Adrian Newey celebrates Aston Martin turnaround with heartfelt team radio message

• 2 hours ago

Sky Sports F1 expert fears Mercedes 'civil war' is coming as Antonelli overtakes Russell

• 2 hours ago

F1 insider pinpoints 'real issue' at Ferrari as Hamilton vs Leclerc debate rages

• 3 hours ago

F1 Monaco Grand Prix result could change AGAIN as Red Bull and McLaren begin FIA court battle

• Yesterday 23:30

Ferrari flops and Max misery: Five F1 things we learned from the Dutch Grand Prix

• Yesterday 18:59