Interlagos Qualifying Delayed and Plagued by Heavy Rain

Heavy rain and standing water at Interlagos have turned qualifying into the longest Q1 session in Formula One history, overtaking the previous record set in Hungary in 2016. Safety car driver Bernd Mayländer repeatedly reported that track conditions are unsafe, while commentators David Croft and Martin Brundle voiced growing doubts over whether qualifying can finish today.

Driver and Team Reactions

Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur noted that race control is right to prioritize safety while managing incoming rain bands. Haas driver Ollie Bearman described the weather as the wettest conditions he has ever experienced in any race car. Meanwhile, safety car driver Bernd Mayländer received cheers from the crowd as track marshals worked to sweep water off the circuit.

Rule Changes and Grid Concerns

David Croft and Martin Brundle pointed out that a rule change introduced for this season means the race grid will start in championship order if qualifying cannot take place in time. Ted Kravitz and Bernie Collins shared ongoing updates regarding track radar, pit lane strategies, and the challenges faced by teams waiting in their garages.

Context

Interlagos sits between lakes, making the circuit particularly vulnerable to sudden downpours and water accumulation on the track surface. Formula One race control relies on safety car assessments to determine when track conditions meet safety standards for drivers.