F1: Brazil 2024 Sprint Race defined a controversial starting order at Interlagos

The F1 Brazil Grand Prix Sprint race in 2024 was just the prelude to a chaotic qualifying session that would define the Sunday event. At Interlagos Circuit, under challenging weather conditions and multiple interruptions, a historic starting grid was set, placing champion Max Verstappen in 17th position, while Lando Norris took the coveted pole position with his eighth win in timed laps this season.

F1 qualifying session faced weather chaos and multiple red flags

Qualifying in São Paulo took place under completely unusual conditions for Formula 1: heavy rain, strong gusts of wind, and reduced visibility forced officials to stop the session five times. The event was rescheduled from Saturday, November 2, when the FIA determined that safety conditions did not allow drivers to start their fast laps.

“The decision was made due to lack of visibility caused by the level of rain we experienced in recent hours. There is a lot of standing water in some parts of the circuit,” explained the official statement. Red flags were waved due to accidents involving Alexander Albon, Lance Stroll, Franco Colapinto, Carlos Sainz, and Fernando Alonso, turning the morning of November 3 into a battle against the elements.

Norris dominates Brazil GP qualifying while Verstappen faces penalties

Amid the weather chaos, Lando Norris was unstoppable. The British McLaren driver completed the 4.308-kilometer circuit in 1 minute, 23 seconds, and 405 milliseconds with intermediate tires, demonstrating mastery in adverse conditions. His compatriot George Russell of Mercedes finished second just 173 milliseconds behind, followed by Yuki Tsunoda of AlphaTauri in third.

However, the most dramatic story was that of Max Verstappen. Eliminated in the second round (Q2) with the twelfth-best time, the Red Bull Racing champion was penalized five additional grid positions for unplanned changes to his power unit. The combination of both factors left him starting from 17th position, an exceptional situation for the world championship leader.

Mexican driver Sergio Pérez also exited in Q2, qualifying 12th. The Red Bull Racing driver expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in the session interruption after Lance Stroll’s crash, considering it cost him a better qualifying position.

F1 Sprint race performance and prospects for Interlagos

Saturday’s Sprint race was more favorable for Pérez. Nicknamed “Old Tasty,” he started in 13th and gained five positions to finish eighth, earning a point in the world championship. McLaren drivers dominated with a 1-2 finish in this Sprint edition, while Verstappen completed the weekend’s first podium despite his limitations.

Sergio Pérez’s recent history at Interlagos reflects mixed performance over his years in Formula 1. From 2011 with Sauber to his stints with McLaren, Force India, and finally Red Bull Racing, the Mexican driver has faced multiple challenges on this rainy track. His best result came in 2016 when he finished fourth with Force India under similar rainy conditions. In 2021, with Red Bull Racing, he also finished fourth, establishing himself as a strategic resource in defending the team’s championship. His starting position for the main race would depend on the repairs to his car and his ability to adapt again to the adverse conditions characteristic of Interlagos.