Interlagos grandstand roof collapses in rainstorm at F1’s Sao Paulo GP،
Formula 1 appeared to avoid a major incident when the roof of at least one grandstand collapsed in high winds during qualifying for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Friday.
Conditions at Interlagos went from overcast to dark and stormy in a matter of minutes Saturday afternoon, right in the middle of the Q3 session, the final of three qualifying segments.
This prompted F1 to cut the session short.
An F1 spokesman said there were no serious injuries, although it was later unclear whether anyone had required medical attention.
Although it was not picked up by F1’s global television, it soon became apparent that the weather had wreaked havoc around the Interagos circuit.
Various videos circulated on social media showing roofs torn off and blown away, although it was not clear how many stands were affected.
F1 photographer Andy Hone, who was trackside when it happened, tweeted: “What a scary 10 minutes of track time! A grandstand roof collapsed at the last corner and was almost decapitated by falling debris!”
Hone shared two photographs of a damaged roof.
What a scary 10 minutes on track! A grandstand roof collapsed at the last corner and was almost decapitated by falling debris! #F1 #Formula 1 #GPBrazil pic.twitter.com/dWvkpgVweO
-Andy Hone (@andyhone) November 3, 2023
F1 is not expecting similar weather over the remaining two track days, which should ease fears of a repeat for fans in attendance for the remainder of the weekend.
