Lewis Hamilton is set to incur a grid penalty at the upcoming São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos. Ferrari has opted to introduce a new power unit element for the seven-time World Champion’s car, exceeding the season’s permitted allocation. This decision follows a challenging Friday practice for the Scuderia at the Brazilian circuit.
Under the 2026 FIA sporting regulations, exceeding the allowed number of power unit components triggers a grid penalty. The first additional element introduced results in a 10-place grid drop. Subsequent changes beyond this point incur a five-place penalty.
The 2026 Formula 1 power unit comprises five key elements: the internal combustion engine (ICE), turbocharger, MGU-K, Energy Store, and Control Electronics. Drivers are permitted four ICEs and turbochargers, and three MGU-Ks, Energy Stores, and Control Electronics for the season. The MGU-H component was removed from the regulations for 2026.
Ferrari’s consideration of a power unit change for Hamilton’s car comes after the team experienced its most difficult Friday of the 2026 season. Both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc finished outside the top five in Free Practice 2, placing P6 and P7 respectively.
The exact grid demotion for Hamilton remains unconfirmed until qualifying is completed. Ferrari is reportedly assessing both cars during practice sessions before finalising which power unit components will be replaced.
This situation draws parallels to the 2021 São Paulo Grand Prix, where Hamilton, then driving for Mercedes, also faced a grid penalty. He received a five-place penalty for fitting a fifth internal combustion engine.
In 2021, Hamilton was also disqualified from sprint qualifying due to a rear wing infringement, forcing him to start the sprint race from 20th position. He recovered to fifth in the sprint, then started the main Grand Prix from 10th after his engine penalty.
Hamilton delivered a notable performance in 2021, executing a two-stop strategy on medium and hard tyres to secure victory over Max Verstappen. The Interlagos circuit is known for facilitating such recovery drives.
The circuit’s characteristics, including the long uphill run from Junção through Arquibancadas, provide slipstreaming opportunities into the Senna S. This layout creates counter-attack chances into Turn 4.
The compact 4.309km lap length keeps the field closely grouped over 71 laps. Additionally, high-load corners contribute to significant tyre degradation, which can reward cars on fresher rubber. Changeable weather conditions at the São Paulo venue historically add unpredictability.
For the 2026 season, Lewis Hamilton is a Ferrari driver, having joined the Scuderia in 2025. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has already clinched the 2026 World Drivers’ Championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Hamilton currently holds third position in the drivers’ championship with 259 points, two points behind Verstappen. Ferrari’s strategic considerations may also involve Charles Leclerc, with reports suggesting a potential power unit change for him in upcoming races.
This approach would allow Ferrari to distribute any necessary component changes across different Grands Prix, rather than penalising both drivers simultaneously. The team has not yet issued an official announcement regarding these plans.
