Qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix was delayed by heavy rain storms in the area on Saturday, finally getting underway nearly 90 minutes late at Interlagos.

Drivers took to a soaking track on full wet tyres as the rain continued to fall in Sao Paulo, creating a fascinating mix of times and positions as the track began to become more drivable.

Nico Hulkenberg was the unexpected star of Q1, 16 years to the day after his one and only pole position at the same track, mixing it up at the top of the timing boards with the big names.

Rafael Camara, driving in his first F1 qualifying session and for the first time at Interlagos in any series, fought well to be the only Brazilian through to Q2 – after Gabriel Bortoleto clanged the wall and ended his session in the pits.

2026 Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying results

ELIMINATED IN Q1

17. Franco Colapinto [Alpine]
18. Pierre Gasly [Alpine]
19. Lance Stroll [Aston Martin]
20. Valtteri Bottas [Cadillac]
21. Sergio Perez [Cadillac]
22. Gabriel Bortoleto [Audi]

How does F1 Qualifying work in 2026?

There are a couple of changes to the way qualifying works this year, not quite as sweeping as the new technical regulations most drivers and fans hate so much.

Firstly we now have 22 cars on the grid, so instead of five cars exiting after Q1 and Q2, we will have six being eliminated. That still leaves 10 for the pole shootout in Q3.

The other notable change lies in the timings - Q3 now gets an extra minute and lasts for 13 rather than 12.