Hamilton and Verstappen set for back-of-grid starts in São Paulo

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After Hamilton's engine failed in final practice, Ferrari opted for a complete new power unit, leaving him set to start at the back. Verstappen is also set to start at the rear, while Leclerc and Russell face 10- and five-place penalties.

From the GPBeat newsroomPublished · 07 Nov 2026, 18:50 · 1 min

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are set to start Sunday's São Paulo Grand Prix from the back of the grid after power-unit changes. Charles Leclerc has a 10-place penalty, while George Russell's is five places.

Hamilton already faced a 10-place penalty for exceeding his season's power-unit allowance. The new internal-combustion engine fitted to his car on Saturday morning failed in final practice. Ferrari then decided to fit an entire new power unit, leaving Hamilton set for a back-of-grid start.

Red Bull fitted Verstappen with an all-new engine after finding problems following Friday practice. Leclerc and Russell also fitted new internal-combustion engines. Leclerc's penalty is larger because it is the first time Ferrari has exceeded the four-engine seasonal limit on his car; Russell had already gone beyond that limit.

Verstappen has previously won the São Paulo Grand Prix from 17th after an engine penalty in a wet race.

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