Sunday morning Brazil F1 weather update as rain threat remains

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton could do with some rain at Interlagos after both being handed grid penalties that send the duo to the back of the São Paulo Grand Prix grid.

Hamilton starts 20th, with Verstappen in 21st, after both drivers took several new engine components outside their respective pools, setting up an exciting fight back through the field.

Lando Norris claimed pole position, ahead of Kimi Antonelli and a surprising Liam Lawson in third. To add to the shocks, Audi's Nico Hulkenberg starts fourth.

George Russell set the second-fastest time but will also drop five places on the grid to seventh following an internal combustion engine change.

Just like in qualifying, wet weather remains a real threat for the grand prix, with rain expected throughout the day at Interlagos.

Rain continued to fall steadily throughout the night at the circuit and is expected to intensify during the morning before becoming lighter in the afternoon.

The heavy downpours and thunderstorms of Saturday are not expected to be a factor on race day, as the rain is set to remain lighter but consistent.

Current forecasts suggest the rain will be at its heaviest between 9am and noon in Interlagos, before returning to a lighter state for the race.

Major temperature fall

However, as was proven in qualifying, the weather can change in a split second at the legendary venue, where the temperature is set to fall dramatically.

The temperature swing compared to Saturday is striking. While the mercury reached 29 to 30 degrees Celsius during qualifying, Sunday's race is expected to stay below 15 degrees.

This creates the possibility of a cold, wet and chaotic grand prix, where tyre warm-up could prove extremely challenging.

All the challenges ahead do at least open the door to comeback drives from Verstappen and Hamilton.