Lewis Hamilton finished ninth at the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, expressing devastation regarding the race outcome. The Ferrari driver’s 400th Grand Prix appearance at Interlagos saw a promising start unravel due to challenging conditions and car performance issues.
Hamilton began the race from 20th position on the grid following a significant power unit penalty. Ferrari had opted to replace his entire power unit after smoke issues in Free Practice 3, resulting in a cumulative 75-place grid drop.
Despite the grid disadvantage, Hamilton executed a strong opening lap. He climbed from 20th to ninth by the end of the first lap, a performance described as a “rocketship start” by F1 analyst Gabriel Bortoleto.
During this initial charge, Hamilton passed Oliver Bearman, who had started sixth for Haas. However, Hamilton was later investigated for passing Bearman off-track and subsequently returned the position, dropping him to 11th.
As the race progressed, Hamilton encountered difficulties with tyre degradation and significant oversteer. His pace deteriorated, particularly as the rear tyres overheated, causing him to lose positions.
Hamilton was the first driver to switch to slick tyres on Lap 15 as the track began to dry. This strategic call initially allowed him to regain some ground.
However, the race took a turn when rain returned in the closing stages. Hamilton crucially missed the pit entry, forcing him to complete another lap on slick tyres in worsening conditions.
Climbing the hill, Hamilton spun and made contact with the barrier, damaging his rear wing. He then pitted for intermediate tyres.
Hamilton later stated that Ferrari lacked clear information regarding the intensifying rainfall before his late pit-stop decision. He accepted responsibility for the choice while highlighting the team’s tyre temperature problems.
He ultimately crossed the finish line in ninth place, one lap down on the race winner. This marked the first time Hamilton had been lapped since the 2022 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
On social media, Hamilton expressed his disappointment. He wrote:
Devastated by yesterday’s race, especially with how it ended. It started so well, but we struggled with the tyres and massive oversteer. In those conditions, it made things incredibly difficult. I pushed as hard as I could, but we just didn’t have the pace this weekend. We’ll work to understand why and come back fighting at the next race.
He also extended congratulations to his former team, Mercedes, for securing their ninth Constructors’ Championship at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Mercedes clinched the title with George Russell finishing fourth and Kimi Antonelli fifth.
The 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix was won by Lando Norris for McLaren. Max Verstappen finished second for Red Bull, having also started from 21st on the grid due to penalties. Isack Hadjar completed the podium in third for Red Bull.
The final top ten classification for the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix was: 1. Lando Norris, 2. Max Verstappen, 3. Isack Hadjar, 4. George Russell, 5. Kimi Antonelli, 6. Oscar Piastri, 7. Liam Lawson, 8. Charles Leclerc, 9. Lewis Hamilton, 10. Nico Hulkenberg.
