Red Bull Racing’s Head of Strategy, Hannah Schmitz, has raised concerns regarding the scheduled timing for the Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying session. Heavy rainfall is forecast for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in São Paulo, potentially leading to a postponement.
Schmitz noted the presence of a severe rain front, prompting her to question whether the session can proceed as planned. This follows a precedent set in 2024 when qualifying at Interlagos was moved to Sunday morning due to extreme weather conditions.
The current forecast for Saturday, November 7, indicates warm and partly cloudy conditions with temperatures between 15°C and 27.5°C. A 50% chance of significant rain is predicted, particularly after 14:00 local time, with precipitation potentially continuing into the evening.
Localised urban flooding and standing water on the track surface are considered possible. Thunderstorms are also forecast across the weekend, impacting all three days of running.
For Sunday, November 8, race day, conditions are expected to be cooler and unsettled. Temperatures will range from 13°C to 19°C, with a 40% chance of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Some forecasts suggest a 57% probability of rain during the race itself, with other reports indicating a 90-95% chance of rain from 06:00 to 14:00 local time on Sunday.
The 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying session was officially postponed from Saturday afternoon to Sunday morning. This decision was made by the FIA due to torrential rain, poor visibility, and extensive standing water on the circuit.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed the postponement at the time, citing unsafe driving conditions and fading daylight. The session eventually took place on Sunday at 07:30 local time.
Interlagos is known for its volatile weather, influenced by its microclimate and location between two large reservoirs. The circuit’s elevation changes contribute to rapid water flow and accumulation in lower sections.
Areas such as Juncao, the approach to Mergulho, and the outside edge of Curva do Sol are particularly prone to standing water, increasing aquaplaning risks. The circuit’s drainage is rated as moderate.
Visibility issues caused by spray behind cars are also a significant concern, especially on the main straight and through the opening sequence of corners.
In March 2026, the FIA introduced a ‘Rain Hazard’ rule. This regulation permits a declaration if the official weather service forecasts a precipitation probability exceeding 40% during a Sprint or Grand Prix.
The declaration for a Grand Prix qualifying session must be made no later than two hours before its start. This aims to provide teams with sufficient notice for operational planning.
Further regulatory adjustments for the 2026 season include a ban on ‘boost mode’ in wet conditions to enhance safety. This measure addresses driver concerns regarding the handling of current-generation cars in low-grip scenarios.
The unpredictable nature of Interlagos in wet conditions has historically led to dramatic races, with the Safety Car deployed in approximately 55% of events, largely due to rain.
Max Verstappen, who qualified 17th in the rain-affected 2024 session, went on to win the Grand Prix, demonstrating strong performance in challenging conditions.
It seems to be a very heavy rain front. We will likely know more tomorrow about whether qualifying will actually take place at the scheduled time.
Schmitz’s statement on Friday evening, following free practice sessions, underscores the ongoing uncertainty. Teams will continue to monitor meteorological updates closely.
