Formula 1 has announced an updated race day schedule for the São Paulo Grand Prix following a weather-related delay in qualifying due to heavy rain.
Qualifying is now set to begin at 10:30 GMT (07:30 local), with the Grand Prix starting earlier at 15:30 GMT (12:30 local). Originally, the race was scheduled for 17:00 GMT.
In a joint statement, F1 and the FIA explained that the decision to reschedule was driven by forecasts of further adverse weather at Interlagos on Sunday.
“Following the conditions in São Paulo today, the decision was taken not to proceed with Qualifying due to poor visibility, standing water on the track, and fading light,” the statement read.
“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.”
As a result, F1 and the stewards decided to hold qualifying on Sunday at 07:30 local time, prior to the Grand Prix at 12:30 local.
“This will ensure we maximize the chances of providing the fans with a day of racing action, given the ongoing weather forecast for tomorrow afternoon,” the statement continued.
“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.”
Qualifying was initially set to start at 18:00 GMT (15:00 local) but was delayed for nearly two hours before officials deemed the track conditions too wet and unlikely to improve.
This marks the first time since the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix that an F1 qualifying session has been rescheduled to Sunday morning.