Friday, November 22, 2024

F1 Brazil GP LIVE: New qualifying schedule and start time after heavy rain causes delay at Interlagos

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Qualifying at the Brazilian Grand Prix was postponed on Saturday evening due to heavy rain at the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo.

After a late change in timings, qualifying is now scheduled to take place at 10.30am GMT (7.30am local) this morning, though heavy rain is also expected throughout Sunday too. The race is now scheduled to start at the earlier time of 3.30pm GMT (12.30pm local).

It remains to be seen how the grid for today’s race would be decided if qualifying was unable to take place.

The session, which sets the grid for the grand prix, was constantly pushed back on Saturday afternoon, with the FIA conducting regular checks of the track surface before eventually postponing entirely.

Follow all the latest updates from the Brazilian Grand Prix:

F1 BRAZIL GRAND PRIX – LATEST UPDATES

  • Qualifying in Brazil postponed to Sunday at 10:30am (GMT)

  • The race has also been rescheduled to 3:30pm (GMT) on Sunday

  • Lando Norris won the sprint race; Piastri 2nd; Verstappen 3rd

  • Max Verstappen receives penalty after sprint race, costing him a point in world championship

  • Click HERE for the top-8 in the sprint race

F1 Brazil GP LIVE: Qualifying update!

10:23 , Kieran Jackson

Good news folks, the rain has virtually stopped and we could get underway on time at 10:30am (GMT)!

The safety car is currently going around the track to test the conditions and while it’s wet, it’s driveable.

This should be a fascinating session – rain really throws the running order right up in the air!

 (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

FIA statement on Saturday evening confirming the changes:

10:20 , Kieran Jackson

“Following the conditions in São Paulo today the decision was taken not to proceed with Qualifying due to poor visibility, standing water on the track and fading light. Safety is always the paramount consideration in such circumstances and while as much time as possible was given to allow conditions to improve they sadly did not.

“We have huge appreciation for all the fans that stayed at the circuit in hope of seeing cars on track today.Therefore the decision has been taken, after consultation with the stewards, to schedule Qualifying for 07:30 local time on Sunday morning ahead of the Grand Prix at 12:30 local.

“This will ensure we maximise the chances or providing the fans with a day of racing action, given the ongoing weather forecast for tomorrow afternoon, and both the FIA and Formula 1 believe this time change is necessary and the right thing to do for all our passionate fans.

“We thank everyone for their patience today including the fans, drivers, teams, marshals, circuit staff and media and hope to give everyone an exciting event on Sunday.”

F1 Brazil GP LIVE: Qualifying update

10:14 , Kieran Jackson

Good morning – wide awake I hope?!

Qualifying is set to get underway in just under 20 minutes time, 10:30am in the UK – 7:30am local time. Should it get underway, it will be the earliest session in F1 history!

The latest from Interlagos is that it’s drizzling, so it remains to be seen if we get underway on time.

Will keep you posted – it’s set to be a long day!

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Driver Standings after Brazil GP sprint

10:00 , Kieran Jackson

The gap between the top two is now 44 points!

1. Max Verstappen – 367 points

2. Lando Norris – 323 points

3. Charles Leclerc – 296 points

4. Oscar Piastri – 258 points

5. Carlos Sainz – 244 points

6. Lewis Hamilton – 189 points

7. George Russell – 180 points

8. Sergio Perez – 151 points

9. Fernando Alonso – 62 points

10. Nico Hulkenberg – 31 points

11. Lance Stroll – 24 points

12. Yuki Tsunoda – 22 points

13. Kevin Magnussen – 14 points

14. Alex Albon – 12 points

15. Daniel Ricciardo – 12 points

16. Pierre Gasly – 9 points

17. Ollie Bearman – 7 points

18. Esteban Ocon – 5 points

19. Franco Colapinto – 5 points

20. Liam Lawson – 2 points

21. Zhou Guanyu – 0 points

22. Logan Sargeant – 0 points

23. Valtteri Bottas – 0 points

Lando Norris ‘not proud’ to rely on Oscar Piastri favour during Sprint GP

09:30 , Kieran Jackson

“Of course, I was under pressure. They were within the DRS almost every lap,” Norris said. “Max was a lot quicker at the end of the race, so my confidence was not high towards the middle and end part of the race. But that’s life.

“Oscar drove well and he deserved to win today. I’m not proud of winning a sprint race – or any race – like this, so I thank Oscar and the team.

“But that’s our objective. It’s what we have to work to towards as a team. We get the points in the Constructors’ [Championship] and I get the points in the Drivers’ and that’s our target.

“You can never plan exactly what lap, what time [to swap positions]. It’s impossible to plan these things to perfection.

“We talk about different times and where we can manage things to do and the main thing we want to do is not put anyone at risk, myself or Oscar.

“And we want to help each other out, so we executed it in the end exactly how we wanted to.”

PINNED POST: Qualifying and race times changed for Sunday

09:28 , Luke Baker

The timings of qualifying and the race on Sunday have now changed due to the weather forecast.

Qualifying is now scheduled to take place at 10.30am GMT (7.30am local) on Sunday morning, though heavy rain is also expected throughout Sunday too. The race is now scheduled to start at the earlier time of 3.30pm GMT (12.30pm local) on Sunday.

The FIA statement on Saturday evening confirming the changes read: “Following the conditions in São Paulo today the decision was taken not to proceed with Qualifying due to poor visibility, standing water on the track and fading light. Safety is always the paramount consideration in such circumstances and while as much time as possible was given to allow conditions to improve they sadly did not.

“We have huge appreciation for all the fans that stayed at the circuit in hope of seeing cars on track today.Therefore the decision has been taken, after consultation with the stewards, to schedule Qualifying for 07:30 local time on Sunday morning ahead of the Grand Prix at 12:30 local.

“This will ensure we maximise the chances or providing the fans with a day of racing action, given the ongoing weather forecast for tomorrow afternoon, and both the FIA and Formula 1 believe this time change is necessary and the right thing to do for all our passionate fans.

“We thank everyone for their patience today including the fans, drivers, teams, marshals, circuit staff and media and hope to give everyone an exciting event on Sunday.”

Heavy rain played havoc with the schedule at Interlagos (Getty Images)Heavy rain played havoc with the schedule at Interlagos (Getty Images)

Heavy rain played havoc with the schedule at Interlagos (Getty Images)

Brazil Grand Prix

09:00 , Kieran Jackson

 (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

SPRINT RACE REPORT: Lando Norris handed Brazil GP sprint win as Oscar Piastri moves aside

08:30 , Kieran Jackson

Lando Norris took another two points out of Max Verstappen’s championship lead after he won Saturday’s sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Pole-sitter Oscar Piastri obeyed a team order from McLaren to move aside for Norris on lap 22 of 24 at Interlagos, with Verstappen finishing third.

Norris’ victory takes him 45 points behind Verstappen with 132 points still available.

Full report below:

Lando Norris handed Brazil GP sprint win as Oscar Piastri moves aside

Brazil GP qualifying postponed after heavy rain and lightning at Interlagos

08:00 , Kieran Jackson

Qualifying at the Brazilian Grand Prix was postponed on Saturday evening due to heavy rain at the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo.

After a change in timings late on Saturday evening, qualifying is now scheduled to take place at 10.30am GMT (7.30am local) on Sunday morning, though heavy rain is also expected throughout Sunday too.

The race is now scheduled to start at the earlier time of 3.30pm GMT (12.30pm local) on Sunday.

Brazil GP qualifying postponed after heavy rain and lightning at Interlagos

Weather causes havoc at Brazil GP

07:30 , Kieran Jackson

 (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

 (REUTERS) (REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

A Mercedes team member cleans the pits area of surface water (AP)A Mercedes team member cleans the pits area of surface water (AP)

A Mercedes team member cleans the pits area of surface water (AP)

Red Bull weigh up surprise wildcard option for 2025: ‘He was faster than Franco Colapinto’

07:00 , Kieran Jackson

Red Bull are considering going with a surprise wildcard option as their second driver to partner Max Verstappen for the 2025 F1 season as Sergio Perez’s struggles continue.

During the summer, the Mexican veteran signed a contract extension to stay with Red Bull until the end of the 2026 campaign but has been in dismal form ever since.

He hasn’t finished higher than sixth in any of the nine races since that extension despite teammate Verstappen finishing inside the top six in every one of those races – winning two and finishing second in two others.

Red Bull weigh up surprise wildcard option for 2025: ‘Faster than Franco Colapinto’

Max Verstappen ‘doesn’t care’ about Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari

06:30 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen gave a blunt answer when pushed by Sport Bild about Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari and whether it was “good or bad” for him.

The Red Bull star said: “I don’t care

“Because I want to beat every driver from every car. It doesn’t matter to me whether Lewis is in the red or silver car.

“But I can understand that there is a lot of interest in his move. It’s a good thing for Formula 1. It will be interesting to see how he and Charles (Leclerc) work together within a team. It didn’t really affect me. I had zero emotions.”

Lando Norris hasn’t spoke to Max Verstappen since Mexico

06:00 , Kieran Jackson

“We’ve not spoken and I don’t think we need to,” he said. “I’ve got nothing to say. I still have a lot of respect for Max and everything he does. Not respect for what he did last weekend, but respect for him as a person and what he has achieved.

“But it’s not for me to speak to him. I’m not his teacher, I’m not his mentor. Max knows what he has to do. He knows he did wrong. Deep down he does. And it’s for him to change, not for me.

“The stewards did a good job. I think 99 per cent of people who watch Formula One and know Formula One agree with that. I don’t know what to expect this weekend. Obviously I hope for a cleaner battle than we had. But it’s not up to me.”

Lando Norris gives chase to Max Verstappen during the Mexican Grand Prix (AP)Lando Norris gives chase to Max Verstappen during the Mexican Grand Prix (AP)

Lando Norris gives chase to Max Verstappen during the Mexican Grand Prix (AP)

Lewis Hamilton made request to F1 CEO

05:30 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton made a request to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali before qualifying in Brazil was eventually postponed.

Hamilton said: “You should have sent us out. This is ridiculous, we should go out! I want to go out.”

Domenicali embraced the Mercedes star before replyng: “Me too”.

Hamilton added: “Give us better wet tyres with blankets, we would be able to run in this – I’m putting you on the spot!”

Charles Leclerc fined for swearing in Mexico GP press conference

05:00 , Kieran Jackson

Leclerc has been given a fine of 10,000 euros (£7,700), half of which is suspended on the condition he does not commit the same offence in the next 12 months.

Leclerc swore in the post-race news conference after being asked to recall how he had felt when he had nearly lost control of his car through the final corner of the track while trying to defend from McLaren’s Lando Norris.

The stewards at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, who sat in judgement of Leclerc, said the mitigating factor was that the Monegasque “was immediately apologetic”.

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Max Verstappen ‘knows what he’s doing’ on track as he fires back at driving criticism

04:00 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen said he is a “three-time world champion who knows what I am doing” after Damon Hill accused him of acting like Wacky Races villain Dick Dastardly.

A fired-up Verstappen also hit back at his critics for being “bias” and “very annoying” after his driving tactics were placed in the spotlight following his combined 20-second penalty for forcing rival Lando Norris off twice in Mexico.

Full quotes below:

Max Verstappen ‘knows what he’s doing’ on track as he fires back at driving criticism

Helmut Marko on Max Verstappen grid penalty

03:01 , Kieran Jackson

Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko suggested that switching out Max Verstappen’s engine for the Brazilian Grand Prix could end up being beneficial to the team as the circuit is one which favours overtaking.

He told ORF: “The engine we had in there [for the Mexican GP] was no longer intended for the race.

“The older an engine gets, the more its performance diminishes […] We saw that we were missing 3-8kph on the straights.

“The penalty would be five places. That wouldn’t be so severe in Brazil, for example, where you can overtake relatively easily.”

F1 (AP)F1 (AP)

F1 (AP)

George Russell reveals one driver against changing F1 racing rules ‘today’

02:00 , Kieran Jackson

George Russell has said “19 out of 20” drivers in Formula 1 agree on the sport changing its racing rules “today” if necessary.

Racing rules have been under the microscope after the last two grands prix, where Max Verstappen and Lando Norris were penalised for battling intensely.

At the United States GP two weeks ago, Norris was given a five-second penalty for overtaking the Red Bull driver off the track, although the Briton argued he had been forced wide. Then, at last week’s Mexican GP, Verstappen was handed two 10-second penalties for his approach to racing the McLaren driver.

George Russell reveals one driver against changing F1 racing rules ‘today’

Damon Hill says Max Verstappen move at Mexican Grand Prix ‘Dick Dastardly stuff’

01:00 , Kieran Jackson

Damon Hill has claimed that Max Verstappen is incapable of driving fairly and accused the under-fire Dutchman of acting like Wacky Races’ villain Dick Dastardly.

Verstappen’s defensive tactics are in the spotlight after he was handed a combined 20-second penalty for forcing championship rival Lando Norris off the track on two occasions at last weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix.

Full piece below:

Damon Hill accuses Max Verstappen of using ‘Dick Dastardly stuff’ tactics

Christian Horner on Red Bull ‘supporting’ Perez

00:03 , Kieran Jackson

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has been one of Sergio Perez’s biggest supporters but even he appears to be losing patience with the Mexican, who has endured a terrible year this season.

“I think we have done everything we could to support Checo [Perez] and we will do the same this weekend in Brazil,” said Horner. “But there comes a point where you reach a limit.

“There comes a time when difficult decisions have to be made. We are now third in the constructors’ championship. We are determined to win again, but that will be hard work in the next four races.”

 (Pool via REUTERS) (Pool via REUTERS)

(Pool via REUTERS)

Lando Norris downplays friendship with Max Verstappen: ‘I don’t talk to him’

Saturday 2 November 2024 23:00 , Kieran Jackson

Lando Norris has promised not to treat Max Verstappen “like s***” – despite playing down his friendship with the driver he is bidding to dethrone as world champion.

Norris will start Saturday’s sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix from second, two places ahead of Verstappen, after Oscar Piastri sealed a last-gasp pole position in the other McLaren.

Full quotes below:

Lando Norris downplays friendship with Max Verstappen: ‘I don’t talk to him’

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at Interlagos:

Saturday 2 November 2024 22:30 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton to Stefano Domenicali on F1 TV:

Saturday 2 November 2024 21:15 , Kieran Jackson

“You should’ve sent us out, this is ridiculous, we should go out!”

“I wanna go out! If you give us better wet tyres or blankets we’d be able to run in this!”

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Mercedes driver George Russell…

Saturday 2 November 2024 20:46 , Kieran Jackson

“I don’t know what to do now… head back!”

Brazil GP qualifying postponed after heavy rain and lightning at Interlagos

Saturday 2 November 2024 20:24 , Kieran Jackson

Qualifying at the Brazilian Grand Prix was postponed on Saturday evening due to heavy rain at the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo.

The session is now scheduled to take place at 9am local time (12pm GMT), though heavy rain is also expected on Sunday too.

Brazil GP qualifying postponed after heavy rain and lightning at Interlagos

FIA STATEMENT

Saturday 2 November 2024 20:12 , Kieran Jackson

The Qualifying for the São Paulo Grand Prix is postponed.

The decision was taken due to the lack of visibility caused by the level of rain we have experienced in the past few hours.

There is a lot of standing water on parts of the circuit which renders conditions unsafe. As much as we would all like to see competition on track, the safety of drivers, team members, volunteers, officials and spectators is our main priority.

A decision on a start time for Qualifying tomorrow morning will be taken as soon as possible.

UPDATE: Qualifying in Brazil postponed to Sunday

Saturday 2 November 2024 19:58 , Kieran Jackson

Confirmation then from the FIA that qualifying is postponed.

A start time for Sunday morning is yet to be announced.

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

F1 UPDATE

Saturday 2 November 2024 19:54 , Kieran Jackson

“If we end up with Q not happening today all tickets are three days so fans will be back tomorrow and thankfully will see what they missed today.”

FIA CEO Stefano Domenicali:

Saturday 2 November 2024 19:52 , Kieran Jackson

“Tomorrow. The FIA are looking for the right timing.”

Qualifying set to be postponed

Saturday 2 November 2024 19:50 , Kieran Jackson

Mechanics are putting their things away and drivers are out waving to some very wet fans.

All the signs point towards a postponement.

FIA UPDATE

Saturday 2 November 2024 19:47 , Kieran Jackson

“Start of qualifying is postponed.”

So no longer an estimated time. It looks set to be tomorrow, folks.

Amazingly, there is no provision in the regulations for how the grid is set for Sunday’s grand prix if qualifying does not take place.

FIA UPDATE

Saturday 2 November 2024 19:41 , Kieran Jackson

Session delayed again to 8pm (GMT) – that’s 5pm local time.

But sunset is at 6:20pm local time.

I think a postponement is inevitable, with a likely qualifying session early tomorrow morning.

We’ll see…

Qualifying delayed

Saturday 2 November 2024 19:40 , Kieran Jackson

No update from the FIA on the prospective 7:45pm (BST) start time. But no cars are ready to go out.

I think a postponement could be likely soon. The safety car is back out on track…

Latest FIA risk of rain forecast for teams tomorrow:

  • 9-11am: 20%

  • 11am-1pm: 40%

  • 2pm: 60%

  • 3pm-race: 80%

Saturday 2 November 2024 19:26 , Kieran Jackson

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

FIA UPDATE

Saturday 2 November 2024 19:17 , Kieran Jackson

“The rain intensity has now increased and visibility is getting worse.

“We will wait another 15 minutes. Nothing will happen before 16:45 earliest.”

FIA UPDATE

Saturday 2 November 2024 19:03 , Kieran Jackson

“The Race Director has been on track for his inspection but there is still too much standing water.

“Latest estimation is 16:30 Qualifying start (to be confirmed).”

So that’s another push-back to 7:30pm (GMT).

Qualifying delayed

Saturday 2 November 2024 19:01 , Kieran Jackson

So, some drivers are in the garage and in their race-suits, but it’s still very wet out on track.

The safety car has been out on the track and is now back in the pits. There’s sweepers on the track as well.

“We have to wait a few more minutes,” says FIA race director Niels Wittich.

Officially, it’s still a 7:15pm (GMT) start.

NEW FIA UPDATE

Saturday 2 November 2024 18:47 , Kieran Jackson

“Latest estimation is 16:15 Qualifying start (to be confirmed).”

That’s 7:15pm in the UK, folks.

It’s stopped raining but the track is still very wet. We’ll wait and see…

FIA UPDATE:

Saturday 2 November 2024 18:32 , Kieran Jackson

“The current plan if conditions keep improving is to get Qualifying started for 16:00 (estimated start time).”

That’s 7pm (GMT).

Qualifying delayed

Saturday 2 November 2024 18:13 , Kieran Jackson

We’re expecting an update from the FIA at 6:30pm (BST) but the radar is not looking good as the rain continues to pour at Interlagos.

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

NEW: Qualifying delayed

Saturday 2 November 2024 18:03 , Kieran Jackson

The conditions are horrendous at Interlagos!

Heavy rain, thunder and lightning at the circuit and with no signs of stopping. The light is fading too, meaning a postponement could be on the cards with qualifying re-scheduled to tomorrow morning before the race.

Will keep you updated.

Max Verstappen receives penalty!

Saturday 2 November 2024 17:47 , Kieran Jackson

The verdict is in from the stewards and it is not good news for Max Verstappen.

The Red Bull driver receives a five-second penalty for that VSC infringement with Oscar Piastri – dropping him to fourth and costing him a point in the world championship.

SPRINT RACE REPORT:

Saturday 2 November 2024 17:38 , Kieran Jackson

Lando Norris took another two points out of Max Verstappen’s championship lead after he won Saturday’s sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Pole-sitter Oscar Piastri obeyed a team order from McLaren to move aside for Norris on lap 22 of 24 at Interlagos, with Verstappen finishing third.

Norris’ victory takes him 45 points behind Verstappen with 132 points still available.

Full report below:

Lando Norris handed Brazil GP sprint win as Oscar Piastri moves aside

Christian Horner provides update on Sergio Perez future

Saturday 2 November 2024 17:28 , Kieran Jackson

“We’re doing our best to rebuild his confidence,” Horner says when pushed on Perez’s future.

“He had a horrible weekend in Mexico, it’s an older chassis, to give him that boost of confidence he’s a seasoned campaigner, he knows it’s a results-based business.

“This season has been under par, nobody is more acutely aware of this than Sergio, we’re trying our best to support him.”

 (Pool via REUTERS) (Pool via REUTERS)

(Pool via REUTERS)

Lando Norris after winning the Brazil GP sprint:

Saturday 2 November 2024 17:15 , Kieran Jackson

“You can never plan exactly what lap or time. The main thing we want to do is not put anyone at risk, myself or Oscar. We executed exactly how we wanted to.

“I was under pressure, they were within DRS. Max was a lot quicker at the end of the race. That’s life. Oscar deserved the win, I’m not proud of winning any race like this. I thank Oscar and the team.

“I felt very quick the whole race. I was the one who benefited at the end of the day.”

NEW: Max Verstappen receives five-second penalty

Saturday 2 November 2024 17:07 , Kieran Jackson

NEW: Max Verstappen receives five-second time penalty

Saturday 2 November 2024 17:05 , Kieran Jackson

The stewards have reached their verdict – and it’s not good news for Max Verstappen.

The Red Bull driver has received a five-second time penalty for this VSC infringement. He drops a spot to fourth, costing him a point in the world championship.

The gap to Lando Norris is now 44 points.

Constructors’ Championship after Brazil GP sprint

Saturday 2 November 2024 17:00 , Kieran Jackson

1. McLaren – 581 points

2. Ferrari – 546 points

3. Red Bull Racing – 519 points

4. Mercedes – 369 points

5. Aston Martin – 86 points

6. Haas – 46 points

7. RB – 36 points

8. Williams – 17 points

9. Alpine – 16 points

10. Sauber – 0 points

Ollie Bearman after the sprint:

Saturday 2 November 2024 16:44 , Kieran Jackson

“The start was tough, I got stuck in the middle. That was a bit annoying, but I made a few spots in the end. We fell back and didn’t have the pace of the cars in front.”

Bearman finished 14th after starting 10th.

 (PA Wire) (PA Wire)

(PA Wire)

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc after finishing fourth in the sprint:

Saturday 2 November 2024 16:30 , Kieran Jackson

“I pushed like crazy to put pressure on McLaren. It didn’t work out, I’ll learn from it and tomorrow will be better.

“I wanted to try and pass Lando, it didn’t work out.”

Driver Standings after Brazil GP sprint

Saturday 2 November 2024 16:13 , Kieran Jackson

The gap between the top two is now 45 points!

1. Max Verstappen – 368 points

2. Lando Norris – 323 points

3. Charles Leclerc – 296 points

4. Oscar Piastri – 258 points

5. Carlos Sainz – 244 points

6. Lewis Hamilton – 189 points

7. George Russell – 180 points

8. Sergio Perez – 151 points

9. Fernando Alonso – 62 points

10. Nico Hulkenberg – 31 points

11. Lance Stroll – 24 points

12. Yuki Tsunoda – 22 points

13. Kevin Magnussen – 14 points

14. Alex Albon – 12 points

15. Daniel Ricciardo – 12 points

16. Pierre Gasly – 9 points

17. Ollie Bearman – 7 points

18. Esteban Ocon – 5 points

19. Franco Colapinto – 5 points

20. Liam Lawson – 2 points

21. Zhou Guanyu – 0 points

22. Logan Sargeant – 0 points

23. Valtteri Bottas – 0 points

Max Verstappen ‘knows what he’s doing’ on track as he fires back at driving criticism

Saturday 2 November 2024 16:00 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen said he is a “three-time world champion who knows what I am doing” after Damon Hill accused him of acting like Wacky Races villain Dick Dastardly.

A fired-up Verstappen also hit back at his critics for being “bias” and “very annoying” after his driving tactics were placed in the spotlight following his combined 20-second penalty for forcing rival Lando Norris off twice in Mexico.

Responding to Hill’s comments, Verstappen said: “I don’t listen to those individuals. I just do my thing. I am a three-time world champion. It is my 10th year in Formula One. I know what I am doing.

“I listen to people that are close to me and objective and not just there to stir the…I cannot say the word because I will get another (penalty).

“Some people are being very annoying, and I know who those people are and I don’t pay attention to them. Some people are biased, it is fine, and it is not my problem at the end of the day. I continue with my life and I keep performing.”

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella:

Saturday 2 November 2024 15:44 , Kieran Jackson

“We were monitoring the gaps before to Leclerc and Verstappen to see if we could execute an easy overtake. The gap never materialised.

“We needed to see the VSC, so we immediately executed. It would not be possible without both drivers, we’re happy with the conversations which are happening right now. The support Oscar gave for Lando.

“Ideally, we’d do it earlier but the situation never materialised. As soon as you swap, there’s a possibility to overtake the McLaren. The team result comes first.”

Red Bull boss Christian Horner on Verstappen’s potential penalty:

Saturday 2 November 2024 15:25 , Kieran Jackson

“On everything we can see, it looks OK. Let’s see.

“Reading the race, I think the most encouraging thing was the race-pace, it was encouraging.

“There’s some things that we’re starting to understand.”

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Start times this weekend in Brazil:

Saturday 2 November 2024 15:23 , Kieran Jackson

All times GMT

Saturday 2 November

Sunday 3 November

 (PA Wire) (PA Wire)

(PA Wire)

Lando Norris after winning the sprint race:

Saturday 2 November 2024 15:13 , Kieran Jackson

“Not proud about it but we worked well as a team, thanks to Oscar. Oscar deserved it, we’re doing what we have to do. Looking forward to qualifying.

“It was yo-yo’ing a little bit, I felt a bit quicker but couldn’t pass at the time. We were clearly quicker than the guys behind, we executed it well.”

Norris now 45 points behind Verstappen in the drivers’ championship.

Oscar Piastri after finishing second:

Saturday 2 November 2024 15:01 , Kieran Jackson

“Great day for the team, a lot of points. We learned a lot for the race tomorrow as well.

“The pace looked OK, Max was very quick at the end. Let’s see, we have a few things we want to improve. We’re in decent shape.”

Max Verstappen after finishing third:

Saturday 2 November 2024 14:54 , Kieran Jackson

“Quite pleased with that, took some time with Charles. It was promising, a lot of unknowns, today was good.

“I still expect McLaren to be really quick over one lap, hopefully we can limit the damage with the five-place grid penalty I have.”

Max Verstappen under investigation!

Saturday 2 November 2024 14:47 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen could be in trouble here!

The stewards have noted a potential VSC infringement – did he go too early in attacking Piastri on the final lap?!

TOP-8 IN THE BRAZIL GP SPRINT RACE:

Saturday 2 November 2024 14:40 , Kieran Jackson

1. Lando Norris

2. Oscar Piastri

3. Max Verstappen

4. Charles Leclerc

5. Carlos Sainz

6. George Russell

7. Pierre Gasly

8. Sergio Perez

Oscar Piastri on team radio:

Saturday 2 November 2024 14:35 , Kieran Jackson

“Good day for the team,” says Piastri.

But he’s downbeat, as you can imagine!

F1 Brazil GP LIVE: Lando Norris wins sprint race!

Saturday 2 November 2024 14:34 , Kieran Jackson

Lando Norris wins the sprint race to cut the gap to Max Verstappen in the championship by two points!

Oscar Piastri holds off Verstappen for second – with a hairy moment on the final lap at turn four – with the Dutchman third!

4-8: Leclerc, Sainz, Russell, Gasly, Perez

Liam Lawson just misses out on points in ninth!

 (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

F1 Brazil GP LIVE: Virtual safety car! (Lap 23/24)

Saturday 2 November 2024 14:32 , Kieran Jackson

VSC enforced given Nico Hulkenberg’s stricken Haas in sector two!

And just as Verstappen was on the tail of Piastri!

Will we have any more racing?!

F1 Brazil GP LIVE: Lando Norris passes Oscar Piastri! (Lap 22/24)

Saturday 2 November 2024 14:31 , Kieran Jackson

Norris has been given first by Piastri!

With a yellow flag in sector 2 and concerns about a safety car, Piastri slowed down ahead of turn four to give Norris first place!

But now Piastri is under pressure from Verstappen!

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