Lewis Hamilton experienced a challenging 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix, marked by communication issues with his Ferrari race engineer, Carlo Santi. Untelevised team radio exchanges from Interlagos revealed a series of confusing interactions throughout the chaotic race. Hamilton ultimately finished ninth, a lap down on the winner.
Hamilton started the race from 20th position on the grid. This was due to a substantial 65-place grid penalty, incurred from multiple power unit component changes on his SF-26. Ferrari fitted a fifth internal combustion engine, triggering a 10-place penalty, with subsequent component changes adding further five-place penalties.
The race began with Hamilton on intermediate tyres, and his initial complaints surfaced on Lap 9. He provided updates on the drying track conditions, stating, “It’s not far from being slicks, mate.”
After further comments about falling behind, Hamilton directly questioned the pit wall: “Are you guys listening? I’m falling behind. What position am I fricking falling back to?” Santi confirmed, “You are P13. We copy you.”
Communication difficulties persisted. Hamilton became the first front-running driver to pit on Lap 14 for soft tyres. Later, between Laps 20 and 23, an agitated Hamilton asked Santi to repeat a switch change instruction. He also responded abruptly when reminded of available boost, stating, “I know! Leave me to it!”
Further confusion arose during a pit stop on Lap 38. Santi instructed Hamilton to “Box opposite Hulkenberg” and then, “We are racing Norris.” This led Hamilton to believe he was contending with the race leader.
Hamilton’s subsequent radio messages indicated his disorientation: “What’s happening, man? I don’t know. Where am I?” He then asked, “Why is Norris ahead of me? Have I been lapped?” Santi confirmed, “Yes, you are lapped.”
From Lap 42, Hamilton expressed confusion regarding the procedure for unlapping himself, particularly concerning blue flags. He repeatedly asked for clarification on what he needed to do while stuck behind Norris.
The race at Interlagos was affected by changing weather, with rain returning in the closing stages. Hamilton was instructed to pit for intermediates on Lap 61 but missed the pit entry. He subsequently spun at Turn 14, making minor contact with the wall.
The extra lap on slicks proved costly. Hamilton re-emerged behind teammate Charles Leclerc and appeared unaware the race had concluded when Norris crossed the finish line. He asked, “Do I still keep going or not?” Santi informed him, “No, it’s the chequered flag. You are lapped.” Hamilton later described himself as “devastated” by the race performance.
Ferrari currently holds second place in the Constructors’ Championship, but team principal Fred Vasseur has acknowledged that the team’s pace has often lagged behind Red Bull and McLaren in the latter half of the 2026 season. Hamilton has secured one Grand Prix victory this season at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
Following the Brazilian Grand Prix, Lando Norris secured victory for McLaren. Max Verstappen finished second for Red Bull, with teammate Isack Hadjar completing the podium. Mercedes clinched the 2026 Constructors’ Championship with George Russell finishing fourth and Kimi Antonelli fifth. Hamilton is now fourth in the Drivers’ Standings with 261 points, one point behind Russell.
