Sao Paulo GP 2026: Hamilton, Leclerc and Verstappen penalized
Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will all face grid penalties at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday due to exceeding engine component limits.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Max Verstappen will start Sunday's Sao Paulo Grand Prix from the back of the grid.
- Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc both receive 10-place grid penalties.
- George Russell drops five places after exceeding his engine part limit.
- The Interlagos circuit has extended its F1 contract to host races until 2035.
The Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix has been shaken up ahead of race day as championship contenders Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc all prepare to serve grid penalties for exceeding the permitted limit of engine components this season.
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen will be forced to start the race from the very back of the grid after his team discovered technical issues following Friday practice, requiring a completely new power unit. Meanwhile, Ferrari teammates Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have both been handed 10-place grid drops. Mercedes driver George Russell joins them with a five-place penalty for similar engine-related infractions.
The penalties for the Ferrari drivers are harsher than Russell's because this marks the first time they have surpassed the maximum allowance of four engines per season, whereas Russell had already crossed that threshold previously. Notably, Verstappen famously triumphed at the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix after climbing from 17th on the grid during a rain-soaked race.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Grid penalties dramatically alter race strategies in Formula 1, especially at a historic venue like Interlagos where weather conditions frequently play a chaotic role. Drivers starting from the back must rely heavily on alternative pit stop strategies, tyre degradation management, and opportunistic safety car deployments to fight their way back into points contention.
Amidst the technical penalties, Formula 1 announced on Saturday that the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo has officially extended its contract to host a grand prix through 2035, securing the iconic venue's place on the calendar for another decade.
"Brazil is an important part of F1's history and our future, and I am delighted that this five-year extension will see us continue racing in Sao Paulo until 2035."
Stefano Domenicali, F1 President and CEO
F1 President and Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali praised the extraordinary passion of Brazilian fans, noting the unique energy they bring to the grandstands whenever the sport visits the city. Fans can follow live race commentary and text updates through the official broadcast channels and digital platforms.
Source: BBC Sport
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