- Photographers captured the wreckage on the track that sent fans fleeing
- The third qualifying session was canceled due to the storm, and Max Verstappen secured pole position on Sunday
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Fans flocked to the exits after strong winds and heavy rain fell during Friday’s qualifying session for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos.
These winds caused the roof of one of the grandstands to collapse near the final corner of the legendary Brazilian circuit.
Mail Sport understands a handful of spectators suffered cuts and bruises, but not as a result of the collapse.
The injuries were recorded as people fled the rain and no one was taken to hospital.
Better weather is forecast for the weekend, but Interlagos is notorious for sudden rain showers.
The roof of at least one stand in Interlagos collapsed after a storm hit it
F1 photographer Andy Hone captured these images of the debris from the sudden storm
The storm led to officials canceling Q3 and Max Verstappen securing pole on Sunday
Track officials say the grandstands will be inspected before they reopen for Saturday’s sprint shootout and sprint races.
F1 photographer Andy Hone, who was at the track at the time of the collapse, tweeted: ‘What a frightening 10 minutes on track!’ A grandstand roof collapsed in the final corner and was almost decapitated by falling debris!’
Several videos on social media appeared to show roofs being ripped off and blown away. It is unclear how many stands were affected by this storm.
Due to this storm, Q3 had to be aborted – most drivers were only able to complete one lap before qualifying was aborted.
This means Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will start Sunday’s race from pole.