Max Verstappen at risk of starting last in Interlagos… with Lando Norris on pole position

The qualifying session for the Formula 1 São Paulo GP was postponed to Sunday morning due to the heavy and persistent rain that hit the Interlagos circuit late Saturday afternoon.

While weather forecasts are more favorable, it’s still possible that the situation could repeat. If qualifying cannot be held, how will the starting grid for the main race be determined?

The rules are clear: the classification from the single free practice session will be used – not the qualifying for the Sprint race. That session was led by Lando Norris (McLaren/Mercedes), meaning that if qualifying cannot take place, the British driver would secure pole position.

He would be joined on the front row by teammate Oscar Piastri, with the unlikely Oliver Bearman (Haas/Ferrari) in third. The title race could see an interesting twist: in this scenario, Max Verstappen (Red Bull) would start last. The Dutchman was 15th in free practice and faces a five-place grid penalty due to an engine change.

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Here is the São Paulo GP free practice classification.

FP1 CLASSIFICATION

Played, Ollie 👏#F1 #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/GOxaw27eGU

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 1, 2024