Fans receive emergency warning as extreme weather strikes at Interlagos
Photo: Race Pictures
Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
Fans and members of the Formula 1 paddock at Interlagos received a severe weather warning on their mobile phones as torrential rain disrupted qualifying for the São Paulo Grand Prix, forcing race control to suspend the session.
The alert, issued in Portuguese by Brazil's Civil Defence authorities, warned of heavy rainfall affecting the southern and western areas of São Paulo, accompanied by lightning and strong winds.
The message also warned that the severe weather could spread to neighbouring municipalities, urging everyone in the affected areas to remain in a safe location.
The notification read: "Civil Defence: Heavy rain in the southern and western areas of the capital. There is lightning and wind. Neighbouring municipalities are also affected. Stay in a safe location."
Red flag interrupts Brazilian GP qualifying
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The warning came amid chaotic conditions at Interlagos, where qualifying was brought to a halt just minutes into Q1 due to the amount of standing water on the circuit.
George Russell was among the drivers to express serious concerns about the conditions, warning his Mercedes team over the radio about the risk of aquaplaning and calling for the session to be suspended.
Race control subsequently displayed the red flag, forcing the drivers to return to the pit lane while officials monitored the weather.
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