The Japanese Grand Prix began behind a safety car due to heavy rain on Sunday but was suspended after just two laps due to security concerns.
The drivers complained of severely restricted visibility with championship leader Lewis Hamilton informing his Mercedes team that he could not see team mate Nico Rosberg ahead of him as they ran second and first.
A strong typhoon approaching Japan’s mainland was expected to dump more rain on the region throughout the day.
The cars returned to the pit lane where they lined up in grid formation as mechanics erected covers.