The start of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix was pushed back 90 minutes earlier – qualifying also takes place on Sunday morning – as bad weather disrupted the event’s schedule.

Qualifying was postponed to Sunday because heavy rain and thunderstorms prevented practice on Saturday from taking place as planned.

When drawing up a new schedule for Sunday – qualifying was confirmed for 10.30am – sports bosses then also decided to bring the start of the race forward by 90 minutes to 3.30pm as they feared there would be more rain in the afternoon.

Lando Norris secured a sprint victory earlier on Saturday, reducing Max Verstappen’s lead in the world championship to 44 points, but a downpour – along with thunder and lightning – prevented further racing on the track at Interlagos.

The qualifying was postponed several times from its originally planned start at 6 p.m. on Saturday, but almost two hours after the actual start, race director Niels Wittich officially canceled it.

A joint statement from Formula 1 and the FIA ​​said: “Due to today’s conditions in Sao Paulo, the decision has been made not to continue qualifying due to poor visibility, standing water on the track and fading light.”

“Safety is always paramount in such circumstances and whilst as much time as possible was given to allow conditions to improve, unfortunately this was not done. We would like to thank all the fans who stayed at the racetrack and hoped to see cars on the track today.” .

“Therefore, after consultation with the stewards, the decision was made to schedule qualifying for 7:30am local time (10:30am UK) on Sunday morning, ahead of the Grand Prix at 12:30pm local time (3:30pm UK).

“This will ensure we maximize the chances of giving fans a day of racing action and both the FIA ​​and Formula 1 believe this time change is necessary and the right thing for all of our passionate fans. “

“We thank everyone for their patience today, including fans, drivers, teams, marshals, track staff and media, and hope to provide everyone with an exciting event on Sunday.”

The stakes are extremely high as just four rounds remain – including this weekend – in a thrilling title battle between Red Bull’s Verstappen and McLaren’s Norris.

While the new revised schedule aims to avoid such a situation, the possibility of further delays remains on Sunday at the famous circuit, whose unpredictable local weather system has contributed to some of the most memorable moments in Formula 1 history.

There is no provision in the sport’s current regulations that dictates how the starting grid will be determined in the event that due to further rain, qualifying cannot take place on Sunday but the race can still take place.

The FIA ​​​​confirmed this Sky sports news that the decision would be made by the stewards if necessary, but said their preferred option remains to hold qualifying on Sunday morning.

In the event that the classification from the weekend’s only practice session was used, Norris was fastest while Verstappen finished 15th.

Another option would be to use the order established in sprint qualifying, where Norris finished second behind his teammate Oscar Piastri and Verstappen fourth.

Regardless of how his qualifying position is determined, Verstappen will receive a five-place grid penalty for the race as he installs a new engine at the start of the weekend.

It is the first time since the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix that a qualifying session has been postponed to Sunday. The Suzuka event suffered the same fate in 2004 and 2010.

Qualifying at the 2015 United States Grand Prix was also postponed, while qualifying at the 2013 Australian Grand Prix had to be canceled due to the weather.

The Sao Paulo GP live schedule from Sky Sports F1

Sunday, November 3rd

10 a.m.: Preparation for qualification for Sao Paulo
10.30 a.m.: QUALIFICATION FOR THE GRAND PRIX OF SAO PAULO
2:00 p.m.: Grand Prix Sunday: Preparation for the Sao Paulo GP
3:30 p.m.: THE SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
5.30 p.m.: Checkered flag: Reaction to the Sao Paulo GP
6:30 p.m.: Ted’s notebook

Formula 1’s triple race in America concludes this weekend with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with every session broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month membership – no contract, cancel anytime