Rain delays Sao Paulo GP qualifying as drivers face penalties for engine changes

SAO PAULO (AP) — Qualifying at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix was delayed due to heavy rain on Saturday.

Earlier, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen clocked the fastest lap in the final practice session at Interlagos ahead of Formula 1 champion Kimi Antonelli.

The Dutchman led the Italian by 0.025 of a second. McLaren’s Lando Norris finished third, with Mercedes’ George Russell in fourth.

Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari ended in 12th position, more than one second behind Verstappen.

Organizers informed several drivers they will face penalties in Sunday’s race after changing their power units above the limit for the season. Verstappen and Ferrari teammates Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were among them.

Verstappen will have a 30-place cumulative penalty on the grid for a total change in his power unit, while the two Ferrari drivers were initially handed 10-place grid penalties after exceeding their season allocations by taking fresh internal combustion engines.

Later, Hamilton changed more parts of his power unit, which will put him on the back of the grid in the race.

Russell will have a five-place drop due to fresh engine components.

Cadillac’s Sergio Pérez will also start from the back after his car was equipped with new elements.

Starting from the back at Interlagos doesn’t necessarily mean a lost race for top drivers. Hamilton had a legendary charge from the back in 2021 and Verstappen scored a stunning victory from 17th in 2024.

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