The qualifying session for the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix presented significant challenges due to heavy rain and rapidly changing track conditions. After a delay of one hour and 23 minutes caused by intense downpours, the session eventually resumed as the weather improved, forcing drivers and teams to adapt quickly to the wet surface and evolving grip levels.
Initially, all drivers started on Pirelli’s extreme wet tyres, designed to disperse around 85 litres of water per second. While these tyres were essential for maintaining traction on the soaked circuit, they generated substantial spray, severely limiting visibility. Aquaplaning became a major concern, especially at high speeds, complicating braking points and car control. Safety car driver Bernd Maylander confirmed the track was safe enough to proceed, allowing qualifying to continue after the lengthy interruption.
Drivers reported mixed experiences with the conditions. Carlos Sainz described the restart as “punchy,” highlighting the difficulty of aquaplaning in higher gears and the challenge of following other cars closely due to spray. Liam Lawson acknowledged the sketchy nature of the session but appreciated the opportunity to get on track rather than remain idle. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso noted that engine drivability remained a key factor despite the wet conditions, emphasizing that power unit performance still played a role even when grip was limited. As the session progressed, the track began to dry, making intermediate tyres more effective than the full wets and allowing lap times to improve.
Several drivers found certain corners particularly challenging under the wet conditions, with Turn 12 proving difficult for some. Carlos Sainz, Ollie Bearman, and newcomer Rafael Camara all struggled with braking and car control in this section, with Camara’s difficulty culminating in a crash at the end of the second qualifying segment. The session’s final phase saw a frantic rush to set clean laps before additional rain arrived, with tyres only capable of delivering one flying lap.
Opinions on safety varied among drivers. George Russell expressed enjoyment of the rain-affected driving but cautioned that such conditions would be dangerous in a race scenario. Lewis Hamilton and Nico Hulkenberg also welcomed the challenge presented by the wet track, while Kimi Antonelli and Bearman felt the track conditions at the Q1 restart pushed beyond safe limits. The session offered valuable insights into tyre behaviour and car handling in wet weather, which will be crucial as rain is again forecast for the race.
The qualifying session underscored the complexities of racing in wet conditions, where tyre choice, visibility, and aquaplaning risks heavily influence performance. The data gathered will inform teams’ strategies and setup decisions ahead of the race, where similar weather conditions are expected to play a significant role.