No Brazil GP sprint at 2 p.m. – What are F1’s options?
Due to severe storms in Sao Paulo, it is highly uncertain whether the Sprint race in Brazil can start at 11:00 local time (14:00 UK time). What options are available to Formula 1 if racing cannot begin at that time?
With Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen locked in a thrilling battle for the world title, completely cancelling the Sprint race is the last thing the sport’s governing body would want to do. There are up to eight points on offer, which could be exactly what makes the difference between champion and second place.
At the same time, F1 and the FIA will not take unnecessary risks. If the heavy rainfall forecast by local weather services arrives, the cars will remain in the garage until it is safe to race.
What options do the FIA and Formula 1 have?
In that case, F1 and the FIA will look for a time later on Saturday to still run the sprint race. At first glance, the options are limited, because qualifying for the Grand Prix is also scheduled later in the day.
According to the regulations, there must be at least a three-hour break between the end of the sprint race and the start of qualifying. Knowing that it starts getting dark from 5:30 p.m. local time, qualifying must be finished by then.
Taking all these circumstances into account, it’s possible to delay the sprint race by about two hours and then hold qualifying afterward.
Qualifying on Sunday in Sao Paulo?
The Sprint race carries huge significance in the championship battle. If racing cannot take place as planned, one option is to move the Sprint to later in the day, with qualifying then held on Sunday morning before the Grand Prix. Historically, qualifying has occasionally been run on the same day as the main race.
As Saturday progresses, conditions are expected to improve, and no significant rain is forecast for Sunday. This means there is a viable path to run the Sprint race, qualifying, and the Grand Prix without compromising safety.
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