Formula One boss speaks out after ‘unsafe’ Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying postponed due to new ‘plan’

A busy Saturday at Interlagos came to a premature end after qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix had to be postponed due to rain.

Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali spoke to the media following the postponement announcement to provide an update on qualifying and Formula One’s plans for Sunday.

The head of Formula 1 spoke about the delay in qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix

Almost immediately after Saturday morning’s sprint race ended, storm clouds rolled in and began pouring rain on the Interlagos circuit.

Qualifying for the main Grand Prix event was clearly in jeopardy as water accumulated on the track and conditions did not improve. The session was delayed at 15-minute intervals while the race director inspected conditions.

Finally, after two hours, the session was postponed as conditions had not improved and the sun began to set.

The FIA’s official statement reads: “Qualifying for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix has been postponed.

“The decision was taken due to the lack of visibility caused by the heavy rain we have experienced over the past few hours. Some sections of the route have a lot of standing water, making conditions unsafe.

“As much as we all would like to see competition on the track, the safety of riders, team members, volunteers, officials and spectators is our top priority.

“A decision on the start time of qualifying tomorrow morning will be made as soon as possible.”

More takeaways from the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend;

👉 McLaren at center of Red Bull tire cheating allegations amid FIA probe – report

👉 Explained: Why Max Verstappen can beat McLaren in Brazil despite a grid penalty

Stefano Domenicali, the current CEO of Formula 1, also spoke to broadcasters when the decision was made to move qualifying to Saturday.

“First of all, let me reiterate the fact that these fans are incredible,” Domenicali said on air.

“We can’t control the weather, as you know, and that’s a shame – but the conditions are not safe for driving, that’s all. And there is also a problem with the light, which will appear on the track very soon. Unfortunately, this is a situation we have to deal with.”

When asked if morning qualifying was planned, Domenicali confirmed the statement.

“Yeah, that’s the plan now,” he said.

However, he also added: “The FIA ​​is carrying out a final review of what time may be appropriate to organize qualifying and implement a plan to complete the day.

“Because, as you know, this is a great event and we need to make sure that we can maximize everything under all reasonable conditions.”

He also took time to express his gratitude to the “incredible” fans who remained at the track even as the skies opened.

“They are unique,” ​​added Domenicali, “and unfortunately, as I said, we just have to thank them, but they will understand that racing in this condition is impossible.”

Read more: Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying delayed as wet weather disrupts Interlagos