After what was an already tense weekend in the world championship battle, the pressure on the protagonists has only ramped up for Sunday’s São Paulo Grand Prix, now set to be an extended challenge after qualifying at Interlagos was postponed because of torrential rain. The drivers will, conditions permitting, hope to go again to set the grid at 10.30am UK time before a short reset to be ready for the grand prix, which has been brought forward to 3.30pm to forestall further expected heavy rain.
Before the deluge the sprint race had at least managed to be run, with McLaren’s Lando Norris coming out on top over title rival Max Verstappen. Indeed, perhaps Verstappen will welcome the chance to come again afresh on Sunday. After what has already been a difficult weekend for the Dutchman, with a five-place grid penalty for an engine change set for the GP, he suffered another setback, penalised and losing a place during the sprint after Norris and McLaren took the early advantage with the win secured decisively using team orders.
