FIA provide update after postponement of Brazil GP qualifying

The FIA has provided an update with rescheduled times for qualifying and the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after Saturday’s qualifying was postponed. 

Feature image credit: Red Bull Content Pool

The start times for both qualifying and the grand prix have been reshuffled after Saturday’s qualifying was postponed as a result of heavy rain hitting the track. 

Despite sweepers being out on the track, clearing away standing water, and the safety car taking numerous trips out on the track – including the race director himself – the session was deemed unsafe to go ahead with. 

The FIA deemed there were problems with visibility and standing water out on the circuit. However, F1’s regulator, has confirmed it’s going to be an early start for the teams, drivers and media with a 7:30am start for qualifying, local time.

At the same time, the race has been brought forward to 12:30pm local time an hour and a half earlier than it was originally planned (2pm). 

 In an announcement, the FIA stated: 

“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. 

“Therefore 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. 

UPDATED SUNDAY SCHEDULE ⏰

After consultation with the stewards, Qualifying for the São Paulo Grand Prix will take place at 07:30 local time on Sunday morning ahead of the Grand Prix at 12:30 local.#F1 #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/6sYawDri0P

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 2, 2024

“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.”

This decision comes after consultation with the stewards of which they granted the change to the schedule. 

The officials confirmed, under the authority of Article 11.9.3 of the International Sporting Code, they approved of the change ‘under the Supplementary Regulations.’

Read more Formula 1 here:

• Hamilton jokes they need ‘better wet tyres’ to F1 President
• F1 Brazil GP qualifying postponed due to heavy rain
• Norris leads McLaren 1-2 after late swap at Brazil GP Sprint
• Leclerc avoids Verstappen punishment with fine for Mexico GP language
• Piastri leads McLaren front-row lock-out for Brazil GP Sprint
• Norris tops sole practice in Brazil GP ahead of Russell and Bearman

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Kamron Kent

Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.

I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.

Kamron Kent

Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.