Qualifying for the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix was suspended due to torrential rain and lightning at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace. Onboard footage from Lando Norris’s car provided a direct view of the challenging track conditions.
The session was red-flagged just two minutes and 23 seconds into Q1, with no drivers able to set a competitive lap time.
Drivers reported immediate aquaplaning across multiple sections of the circuit, even at reduced speeds.
An FIA spokesperson confirmed that standing water in Turns 2, 3, and the area from Turn 4 to Turn 5 presented critical aquaplaning risks.
Safety car driver Bernd Maylander’s assessment indicated that the track required further work before racing could safely resume.
The FIA anticipated heavy rain to persist for approximately ten minutes, after which the medical car would be deployed to evaluate the standing water levels.
Visibility was severely compromised by the spray generated by the cars, a significant safety concern for all competitors.
Kimi Antonelli reported aquaplaning early in the session, while Isack Hadjar stated he needed a ‘new suit’ upon returning to the pits due to being soaked.
Charles Leclerc also communicated the severe visibility issues, noting that the white line at the pit entry was ‘impossible to see.’
The Interlagos circuit has a documented history of drainage challenges in wet weather.
In November 2025, organisers implemented makeshift drainage channels in the Turn 3 kerbs using a concrete floor saw.
This measure followed a sprint race incident where trapped water in the kerbs caused multiple crashes involving Norris, Oscar Piastri, Nico Hulkenberg, and Franco Colapinto.
Prior to the 2025 Grand Prix, sections of the first and third sectors were resurfaced, and additional drainage channels were cut into the asphalt to improve water flow.
Grooves were also added to the track surface in several areas, including Turns 2, 3, 12, 13, 14, and 15, as early as 2017 to aid drainage.
The 2026 Formula 1 season introduced the ‘Rain Hazard’ rule, a significant regulatory change.
This rule allows teams to modify car setups between qualifying and race day if a 40% or higher chance of precipitation is forecast, or if the race director declares a rain hazard.
The new regulation fundamentally alters parc fermé rules, which previously restricted setup changes after qualifying.
The 2026 generation of ground-effect cars, with their extensive flat floors, generate substantial vertical load, which increases the risk of aquaplaning at high speeds.
The Rain Hazard rule permits adjustments to ride height and wing incidence angle to enhance ground clearance and reduce downforce in wet conditions.
Furthermore, full boost deployment is prohibited in wet conditions, a regulation implemented from the 2026 Miami Grand Prix onwards.
McLaren introduced a significant upgrade package for the São Paulo Grand Prix, featuring a new front wing, rear wing, and floor components.
Norris topped the first free practice session and secured second in the second session, indicating a potential performance gain from these updates.
McLaren’s sporting director Randy Singh confirmed that the upgrades were ‘delivering as expected.’
Norris acknowledged that while the car’s handling remained challenging, the team hoped for overall performance improvements.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton did not immediately venture out in the heavy rain, both drivers facing existing grid penalties for power unit changes.
Kimi Antonelli secured the drivers’ championship title at the previous Grand Prix in Mexico.
