Brazilian GP red flagged after Raikkonen crash on restart in heavy rain

The Brazilian Grand Prix has been red flagged following a crash for Kimi Raikkonen on Lap 20 of the race at Interlagos amid heavy rain.

Conditions were poor enough to warrant a 10 minute delay for the race start, which was conducted behind the safety car before the track was dry enough for green flag running on Lap 8.

A number of drivers made the switch to intermediate tires, believing the track to have dried out enough, but grip was still low and caused Marcus Ericsson to crash in the final sector.

Ericsson’s shunt resulted in a six-lap safety car period before the race returned to green, with a number of drivers calling for a red flag due to the intensifying rain.

"This is just mad. Stupid. That's what this race needs is a red flag. How many people we want to crash?" Vettel radio. #F1onNBC #BrazilGP

— F1 on NBC Sports (@F1onNBCSports) November 13, 2016

The green flag lasted mere moments as Raikkonen slammed into the wall on the main straight before coming back across the track, remarkably missing the oncoming drivers.

With debris strewn across the track and the drivers worried about the weather, the stewards took the call to stop the race and throw a red flag.

The race clocked has been frozen with 1:23:13 remaining for the race to be completed, while the four-hour window expires at 3pm ET.

The drivers must get to Lap 54 for full points to be awarded, with half points otherwise being handed out as things stand.

UPDATE 12:38pm ET – Race red flagged again

The race has been red flagged for a second time due to rain. After completing eight laps behind the safety car when the race resumed at 12:21pm ET, the decision was taken to bring the cars into the pits again, sparking booing in the crowds.

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