Hamilton set for new penalty, will start F1 Brazilian GP from back of grid

Lewis Hamilton will have to start Formula 1’s Brazilian Grand Prix from the back of the grid, Ferrari has announced.

Hamilton was given his fifth internal combustion engine of the season on Saturday morning, landing a 10-place grid drop as he was exceeding his quota for the first time.

However, the seven-time world champion endured a troubled Free Practice 3 session. He reported “strange vibrations” coming from his new engine as well as more powerful engine braking than usual during the first half of the session, as he ended up just eighth-fastest in the medium-tyre pecking order.

Hamilton eventually had to pit definitively moments later, with smoke emanating from the car. He therefore did not get any soft-compound running.

Ferrari has now announced that Hamilton’s power unit has been removed for further checks with a brand-new powertrain to be installed on the SF-26 – meaning he will get further grid penalties equating to a back-of-the-grid start.

Hamilton had been keen to improve his winning record at Interlagos, a track where he took victories in 2016, 2018 and 2021 – just three times across 18 races.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Photo by: Manuel Eletto / Getty Images

Asked about potentially equalling Michael Schumacher’s record of four wins at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, Hamilton clarified: “Well, I haven't won here that many times, so I'm not too happy about that.

“Three wins, I'm grateful for the three wins that I've had, but I've been coming here since 2007. That's a low record for me that I want to change. That's what I'm focused on.”

His odds of doing so are now remote, but the Sao Paulo race will still mark his 400th grand prix start – second only to Fernando Alonso’s current 444.

“It's kind of crazy. I never ever thought that I would be reaching numbers like that,” Hamilton said, having made his F1 debut at a time when the all-time record holder was Riccardo Patrese with 256 races.

“It's crazy because I still feel young, and regardless of the things that people say, you saw my pole last week, I still have the pace, I still have the speed and I still have the dedication, which is most important, and the focus.

“For me, that number is kind of irrelevant. It's beautiful to be able to have that here in Brazil. I've heard of some photographers who have been here for 500 races; at some stage that's probably where I'll be.”