Brazilian Grand Prix Shaken by Grandstand Collapse in Qualifying Session
The Brazilian Grand Prix’s qualifying session witnessed a dramatic turn as severe weather caused a grandstand’s roof to collapse at the Interlagos circuit. This incident led to a red-flagged session, finalizing the grid positions unexpectedly.
Key Takeaways:
- The Interlagos circuit faced a significant structural challenge as the last corner grandstand’s roof gave way under extreme weather conditions, leading to debris scattering across the track.
- Formula 1 photographer Andy Hone captured the incident, confirming the considerable damage but fortunately no injuries.
- The qualifying session’s start was delayed due to track clearing, and worsening conditions led to a red flag during Q3, prematurely setting the grid positions.
The Brazilian Grand Prix’s qualifying round at the Interlagos circuit was disrupted in an unprecedented manner due to tumultuous weather. The event took a dramatic turn when the roof of a grandstand collapsed under the weight of the severe weather, creating an alarming scene with debris strewn across the track.
“The roof of the grandstand collapsed, which in turn caused all sorts of falling debris,” reported Andy Hone, a seasoned Formula 1 photographer, capturing the gravity of the situation. Remarkably, despite the scale of the incident, there were no injuries, a fortunate outcome amidst the chaos.
The occurrence led to an immediate postponement of the qualifying session. This decision prioritized the safety of the competitors and the necessity of clearing the track. The session’s delay was further compounded as conditions worsened, culminating in a red flag during Q3. Officials confirmed that the session would not resume, effectively cementing the drivers’ qualifying positions.
Before the suspension, the battle for grid positions was fierce. Max Verstappen, in his RB19, skilfully secured the pole position. Charles Leclerc and Lance Stroll followed closely, clinching the second and third spots respectively. The challenging conditions proved to be a significant leveller, despite strong performances from drivers like George Russell in the Mercedes W14, and teams like Ferrari and McLaren showcasing commendable pace.
Sergio Perez, after recording the thirteenth fastest time in Q1, found himself in a difficult position as the weather worsened. The closure of the session solidified the grid, leaving some drivers, including Alex Albon who had faced lap deletions earlier, in less advantageous starting positions.
This extraordinary event at the Brazilian Grand Prix has certainly added an unexpected twist to the championship narrative, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 and the impact of external factors like weather on the sport.
