Russell warns of horrific crash risk in wet Brazilian race

Formula 1 drivers have warned that today's Brazilian Grand Prix should not go ahead in conditions as wet as Saturday's qualifying session at Interlagos. The first phase of qualifying was delayed by almost an hour and a half after heavy rain, with more rain falling as the session ended.

George Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, said visibility was zero down the straight into turn four and described aquaplaning in fifth gear at over 200kph. He said that if the conditions had been a race, the chances of a serious incident would be very high. Isack Hadjar said the Q1 conditions would not have been raceable.

Others were more positive. Carlos Sainz Jnr praised the FIA for pausing Q1 and making the most of the gap between showers, while Liam Lawson, who starts third, said he enjoyed the conditions despite the risk. Lando Norris took pole position.