The Brazilian Grand Prix will go ahead as planned despite inaccurate rumours on social media that it might be at risk, Formula 1 chiefs have confirmed.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was named as the new president of Brazil after narrowly defeating the incumbent Jair Bolsonaro. Demonstrations have been taking place across the country since, as supporters of the latter refuse to accept the result.
Bolsonaro is still yet to concede despite receiving two million votes fewer than his rival. Even when speaking to the media for the first time since the election, he avoided stating that he had lost and also refused to condemn those who have been protesting the result.
Amid the demonstrations, rumours began to swirl on social media claiming there are concerns over safety at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo next weekend. But speculation that it could be called off is untrue, and assurances have been given that the race will be going ahead as planned.
Mirror Sport understands F1 chiefs see no threat to the event from protestors, with the situation on the ground improving. As is standard practice before a Grand Prix weekend, security personnel are on the ground to work with the race promoter and local authorities to address any issues.
The speculation about the event on social media is seen as nonsense, and there is no truth to the claims that the race is under threat. The Brazilian Grand Prix marks the penultimate round of the season, before the finale in Abu Dhabi a week later.
Both championships have already been wrapped up, with Max Verstappen confirmed as having successfully defended his title while his Red Bull team are already constructors' champions. But there is still more glory for them to play for as they bid for their drivers to finish first and second in the standings for the first time in the team's history.
Sergio Perez currently holds second spot in the championship, having leapfrogged Charles Leclerc with his third-placed finish in Mexico last weekend. But his advantage is a narrow one, with just five points separating them, so more strong results will be needed for the Mexican to make sure of second spot.
