Here's the thing about a race weekend going sideways: it rarely happens quietly. Lewis Hamilton is set to start the Sao Paulo Grand Prix from the back of the grid after a complete power unit change on his Ferrari machine.
The trouble started early during Free Practice 3 on Saturday at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace. Hamilton first reported vibrations coming from his engine and ducked straight into the pit lane for checks. When he rejoined the circuit in the final hour of practice, the situation immediately escalated into a complete loss of power followed by smoke filling the cockpit. He limped back to the garage, ending his session right there as Ferrari got to work investigating the damage.
Ahead of Qualifying later on Saturday, the team confirmed that car #44 would take part in the session, but the cost would be severe. "Following today’s FP3 session, the power unit fitted to car #44 was removed for further checks," read a team statement. "After completing our analysis, we have decided to replace the entire power unit. Lewis will take part in Qualifying but will have to start tomorrow’s race from the back of the grid."
Initially, the seven-time World Champion was facing a 10-place grid penalty for Sunday's race along with team mate Charles Leclerc, because both drivers had a change of Internal Combustion Engine on their cars. But that initial penalty turned into a full back-of-the-grid start once the entire power unit had to be replaced following the FP3 disaster.
It means Hamilton will have plenty of work to do on race day, where he will be joined at the back by Max Verstappen. The Red Bull driver is also facing a rear-end start after having various elements of his power unit changed ahead of FP3.
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