Brazilian Grand Prix weather fears as official storm warning issued in Sao Paulo region

Saturday's action at the F1 Brazilian Grand Prix could face challenging weather conditions after an official storm alert was declared in the Sao Paulo region.

Brazil's National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) has issued a yellow weather alert, classified as 'Potential Danger', for the region, warning of heavy showers and strong winds.

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Storm warning in Sao Paulo region

The warning highlights the possibility of rainfall between 20 and 30mm per hour, or up to 50mm across the day, alongside wind gusts of 40-60km/h.

The timing could cause particular concern for teams and drivers, with FP3 scheduled to begin at 11:30am local time (2.30pm UK) before qualifying gets underway at 3:00pm (6pm UK).

Both sessions therefore fall within the period covered by the weather warning, raising the prospect of challenging conditions at Interlagos.

There is hope though that the track may yet just avoid the worst of the conditions, with the probability of rain jumping from 22 percent to 65 percent at around 4pm local time - just after qualifying is due to end.

São Paulo's Centre for Emergency Management (CGE) meanwhile has forecast showers of moderate to strong intensity, thunderstorms, lightning and wind gusts exceeding 60km/h on Saturday afternoon and into the evening.

Interlagos is renowned for producing unpredictable weather, and a wet qualifying session could add another layer of uncertainty to the battle for pole position.

Qualifying on 2024 was postponed to the Sunday after heavy rain scuppered any chance of it taking place as planned on Saturday.

Further unsettled conditions are possible for Sunday's Grand Prix.

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