F1 drivers concerned about conditions for US Grand Prix
Several Formula 1 drivers are concerned about the conditions for the United States Grand Prix should the persistent rain not relent
Heavy rain has lashed Austin over the last 24 hours with qualifying postponed until Sunday morning because of the conditions.
The session got underway on time, but the rain got heavier in Q2 and after initially delaying the final segment, officials chose to cancel it.
"I don't understand why he [Charlie Whiting] didn't put the red flag [in final practice] and I don't understand why they didn't put red flag at the end of the session," said Felipe Massa.
"If the conditions stay like this and it's doing this until now and the race, it will be dangerous."
When asked if he felt the conditions were dangerous in Q2, Romain Grosjean said: "Yeah, definitely.
"From the first lap in Q2, I was in traffic. I told my engineers this is getting really bad.
"Even five seconds behind car in front, you couldn't see anything. Let's hope the weather gets better."
McLaren's Jenson Button backed the decision to cancel Q3 because of the conditions.
"There were moments when it was fine like in Q1, but Q2 was questionable and because cars hadn't run, rivers started to form," he said.
"In Q2 it got too wet. I'm happy they cancelled Q3.
"Hopefully it improves for this afternoon otherwise it's going to be a lot of sitting around I think."
Mercedes' pole-sitter Nico Rosberg said: "At the moment, it's raining a lot out there. We can't drive in those conditions.
"There is still a long way to go until the race. A lot can change."
Force India's Sergio Perez added: "It's difficult to plan for the race.
"We keep a close eye on the weather as we are expecting things to be more difficult.
"At the very least I hope we can race and hope the conditions don't get poorer."
Lewis Hamilton won't take risks in US GP to seal 2015 F1 title
United States GP qualifying FIA press conference transcript
Why F1's nearly man is refreshed and ready for his return
He has more starts without a podium than anyone else in Formula 1 world championship history, but Nico Hulkenberg is back for one more shot with Haas. After spending three years on the sidelines, the revitalised German is aiming to prove to his new team what the F1 grid has been missing
Daytona 24, Hour 15: Porsche takes lead amid trouble for MSR Acura
Porsche Penske Motorsport moved to the front of the Daytona 24 Hours in the 15th hour after the erstwhile-leading Meyer Shank Racing Acura developed an oil leak issue.
Vandoorne: Dashboard, steering wheel glitch caused Diriyah FE attack mode penalty
A blank dashboard caused Stoffel Vandoorne's 24-second Diriyah E-Prix penalty, as an electronics glitch on his DS Penske Formula E car meant he couldn't arm attack mode.
Five things we learned from Vasseur's first Ferrari F1 press call
Ferrari has undergone a winter of upheaval ever since it was announced that boss Mattia Binotto was stepping away from the Formula 1 squad.
Why F1's nearly man is refreshed and ready for his return
He has more starts without a podium than anyone else in Formula 1 world championship history, but Nico Hulkenberg is back for one more shot with Haas. After spending three years on the sidelines, the revitalised German is aiming to prove to his new team what the F1 grid has been missing
The potential-laden F1 car that Ferrari neglected
The late Mauro Forghieri played a key role in Ferrari’s mid-1960s turnaround, says STUART CODLING, and his pretty, intricate 1512 was among the most evocative cars of the 1.5-litre era. But a victim of priorities as Formula 1 was deemed less lucrative than success in sportscars, its true potential was never seen in period
Why Vasseur relishes 'feeling the pressure' as Ferrari's F1 boss
OPINION: Fred Vasseur has spent only a few weeks as team principal for the Ferrari Formula 1 team, but is already intent on taking the Scuderia back to the very top. And despite it being arguably the most demanding job in motorsport, the Frenchman is relishing the challenge
The crucial tech changes F1 teams must adapt to in 2023
Changes to the regulations for season two of Formula 1's ground-effects era aim to smooth out last year’s troubles and shut down loopholes. But what areas have been targeted, and what impact will this have?
Are these the 50 quickest drivers in F1 history?
Who are the quickest drivers in Formula 1 history? LUKE SMITH asked a jury of experienced and international panel of experts and F1 insiders. Some of them have worked closely with F1’s fastest-ever drivers – so who better to vote on our all-time top 50? We’re talking all-out speed here rather than size of trophy cabinet, so the results may surprise you…
One easy way the FIA could instantly improve F1
OPINION: During what is traditionally a very quiet time of year in the Formula 1 news cycle, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been generating headlines. He’s been commenting on massive topics in a championship that loves them, but also addressing necessary smaller changes too. Here we suggest a further refinement that would be a big boon to fans
How can McLaren keep hold of Norris?
Lando Norris is no longer the young cheeky-chappy at McLaren; he’s now the established ace. And F1's big guns will come calling if the team can’t give him a competitive car. Here's what the team needs to do to retain its prize asset
What difference did F1's fastest pitstops of 2022 make?
While a quick pitstop can make all the difference to the outcome of a Formula 1 race, most team managers say consistency is more important than pure speed. MATT KEW analyses the fastest pitstops from last season to see which ones – if any – made a genuine impact
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.