Brazilian Grand Prix: Grandstand roof at Interlagos COLLAPSES as violent storms sweep through Sao Paulo on F1 weekend
- Photographers captured the wreckage on the track that sent fans running
- Q3 was cut short due to the storm, with Max Verstappen claiming Sunday’s pole
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Fans were left streaming towards the exits after heavy winds and driving rain descended during Friday’s qualifying session for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos.
That wind caused the roof of one of the stands near the final corner of the circuit to collapse at the legendary Brazilian circuit.
Mail Sport understands that a handful of spectators suffered cuts and bruises, but not as a result of the collapse.
The injuries were contained as people ran out of the rain and no one was hospitalized.
Better weather is forecast for the weekend, but Interlagos is notorious for sudden downpours.
The roof of at least one stand at Interlagos collapsed after a storm ripped through it
F1 photographer Andy Hone captured these images of the wreckage from the sudden shower
The storm led to officials shortening Q3, with Max Verstappen claiming pole for Sunday
Track officials say the grandstands will be inspected before reopening for Saturday’s sprint shootout and sprint racing sessions.
F1 photographer Andy Hone, who was trackside when the collapse occurred, tweeted: ‘What a scary 10 minutes on track! The roof of a grandstand collapsed on the last corner and was almost decapitated by falling debris!’
Multiple videos on social media appeared to show roofs being torn loose and blown away. It is unclear how many stands were affected by this storm.
Q3 had to be shortened due to this shower, with most drivers only able to complete one lap before the qualifying session was abandoned.
As a result, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will start Sunday’s race from pole.