Formula 1 Brazilian GP
F1 brings forward Brazilian GP qualifying and race times
Qualifying will now take place early on Sunday morning with the Brazilian Grand Prix also moved to cover for the chances of more weather disruptions
Filip Cleeren
Edited: Nov 3, 2024, 2:23 AM
Copy link
Share on Viber
The FIA has confirmed that qualifying for Formula 1's Brazilian Grand Prix will now take place at 07:30 local time on Sunday morning, with the start of the race brought forward to 12:30 local time.
On Saturday afternoon qualifying had to be continuously delayed and ultimately postponed due to heavy rainfall over Sao Paulo, with standing water rendering the Interlagos track undriveable despite the marshals' best efforts to clear the track surface.
The approaching sunset around 18:20 local time was the final nail in the coffin, as FIA decided to postpone qualifying at 16:45, nearly two hours after the original start time.
Qualifying will now be held on Sunday morning at 7:30 Sao Paulo time (10:30 GMT). The race start has also changed, with it being brought forward from 14:00 to 12:30 (15:30 GMT).
More rain is expected in Sao Paulo on Sunday, with the early session times giving F1 and the FIA the best chance of getting both qualifying and the race in the books.
The safety car on track in the wet
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
"The decision has been taken, after consultation with the stewards, to schedule Qualifying for 07:30 local time on Sunday morning ahead of the Grand Prix at 12:30 local," the FIA said.
"This will ensure we maximise the chances or providing the fans with a day of racing action and both the FIA and Formula 1 believe this time change is necessary and the right thing to do for all our passionate fans.
"We thank everyone for their patience today including the fans, drivers, teams, marshals, circuit staff and media and hope to give everyone an exciting event on Sunday."
Read Also:
Formula 1F1 Brazilian GP qualifying postponed due to heavy rain
Formula 1FIA probing water cooling F1 tyre trick after Red Bull concern
Formula 1Verstappen penalised for virtual safety car violation in Brazil F1 sprint
Commenting on the postponement of qualifying on Saturday, the joint statement by F1 and the FIA said: "Following the conditions in Sao 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.
"We have huge appreciation for all the fans that stayed at the circuit in hope of seeing cars on track today."
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Hamilton wants better wet tyres after Brazilian GP qualifying postponement
Next article How F1’s Brazilian GP grid will be formed if qualifying does not happen
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Filip Cleeren
The impressive stats underpinning Liam Lawson's career-saving F1 season
Formula 1
Formula 1
Sao Paulo GP
20 h
The impressive stats underpinning Liam Lawson's career-saving F1 season
Liam Lawson retained by Racing Bulls for 2027 alongside Arvid Lindblad
Formula 1
Formula 1
Sao Paulo GP
22 h
Liam Lawson retained by Racing Bulls for 2027 alongside Arvid Lindblad
Latest news
F1 driver contracts: How long is each driver tied down for?
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1 9 min
F1 driver contracts: How long is each driver tied down for?
IndyCar 2026 season review: ECR
IndyCar
Indy IndyCar 15 h
IndyCar 2026 season review: ECR
Toto Wolff reflects on Mercedes’ non-title years: ‘We weren’t complete losers’
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Sao Paulo GP
16 h
Toto Wolff reflects on Mercedes’ non-title years: ‘We weren’t complete losers’
Renger van der Zande moves to IMSA’s LMP2 class full-time with Tower Motorsports
IMSA
IMSA IMSA 16 h
Renger van der Zande moves to IMSA’s LMP2 class full-time with Tower Motorsports
Feature
Discover prime content
Top 10 F1 cars of the 1970s
Formula 1
By Kevin Turner
Top 10 F1 cars of the 1970s
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe