Qualifying for the 2026 Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix was red-flagged minutes into Q1 today, Saturday, November 7, following a torrential downpour at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, Interlagos. Heavy rain and significant standing water rendered track conditions unsafe for competition. Race control suspended the session after drivers reported severe aquaplaning.
The session was halted with 15 minutes and 37 seconds remaining in Q1, and no competitive lap times had been set. Drivers were initially sent out on intermediate tyres, but conditions rapidly deteriorated. Several cars were observed returning to the pits to switch to extreme wet tyres as the rain intensified.
Mercedes driver George Russell was among those who communicated concerns over team radio, highlighting the aquaplaning risks. Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar also commented on the extreme conditions upon returning to the garage.
The FIA Race Director, Rui Marques, confirmed the red flag. An assessment of the track by the medical car is scheduled once the rain subsides. This protocol is standard when visibility and grip are severely compromised.
The Interlagos circuit is known for its unpredictable microclimate, with large reservoirs contributing to sudden and intense storms. Wet weather has frequently impacted qualifying sessions at this venue in recent seasons.
The weather forecast for Saturday had predicted a high probability of significant precipitation and thunderstorms around the scheduled qualifying time. Temperatures had also dropped notably since the final practice session.
Prior to qualifying, Max Verstappen topped the third free practice session (FP3) with a time of 1:11.622. Kimi Antonelli was second fastest, 0.025 seconds behind, with Lando Norris in third.
Antonelli, the 2026 Formula 1 World Champion, secured his title at the previous round in Mexico City. The Mercedes driver became the youngest-ever F1 champion at 20 years old.
Several drivers are already facing grid penalties for Sunday’s Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton will start from the back of the grid after Ferrari introduced a fifth internal combustion engine and subsequently replaced his entire power unit following issues in FP3.
Max Verstappen also faces a back-of-the-grid start due to a cumulative 30-place penalty for exceeding power unit component allocations. This includes a fifth internal combustion engine, turbocharger, and exhaust set.
Charles Leclerc received a 10-place grid penalty for a fifth internal combustion engine. George Russell will drop five positions for using a sixth internal combustion engine.
Cadillac driver Sergio Pérez also incurred a back-of-the-grid penalty after fitting new internal combustion engine, turbocharger, and MGU-K components.
The 2026 regulations include a ‘Rain Hazard’ rule, allowing limited setup changes between qualifying and the race if precipitation probability exceeds 40%. This rule aims to address safety concerns related to ground-effect cars in wet conditions.
“Wow, that was a nasty little shower – I’m so wet,” Antonelli commented during the stoppage.
The stoppage leaves teams and drivers awaiting a decision on when qualifying will resume, with further rain forecast for Sunday’s race.
