Previously unbroadcast radio messages from the São Paulo Grand Prix have revealed communication difficulties between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari. The exchanges with race engineer Carlo Santi highlighted confusion over tyre strategy and Hamilton’s track position during the November 8 event. Hamilton, driving for Ferrari in his 400th Grand Prix, finished ninth at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace.
Hamilton started 20th on the grid due to multiple power unit component changes and an additional engine issue in final practice. He made significant progress on the opening lap, gaining 11 positions to run ninth. However, his early pace on intermediate tyres quickly diminished as Ferrari struggled with tyre temperatures.
On lap 10, Hamilton questioned if the team was listening, pushing for a switch to slick tyres as the track dried. Santi initially resisted, stating the crossover point had not been reached. Hamilton continued to advocate for slicks by lap 14, eventually becoming the first driver to pit for dry weather tyres.
Further confusion arose during a subsequent pit sequence when Hamilton encountered Lando Norris. Hamilton questioned why Norris was ahead, and Santi could not immediately clarify the running order. Santi later confirmed Hamilton was ninth and Norris, the eventual race winner, was leading one lap ahead.
As rain returned late in the race, Hamilton missed the pit lane entrance when called in for intermediate tyres. He remained on slicks, spinning on the following lap as conditions worsened. Hamilton later acknowledged his decision to stay out, stating he had received information that the rain would remain constant.
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur addressed the team’s performance, attributing difficulties to tyre temperature management. Vasseur stated that struggling to keep tyres in the correct operating window can cost approximately half a second per lap. This deficit often outweighs the gains from aerodynamic upgrades.
The São Paulo Grand Prix added to a season marked by strategic challenges for Ferrari. Previous incidents in 2026 included disagreements over pit-stop timing in Azerbaijan and Singapore. Hamilton and Charles Leclerc also had on-track clashes and strategy discussions in Mexico City and Zandvoort.
Ferrari’s struggles at Interlagos were compounded by a lack of straight-line speed. This made overtaking difficult, particularly as the circuit dried and drivers were confined to a narrow racing line. Both Ferrari drivers faced grid penalties for power unit changes.
Lando Norris secured victory for McLaren, his third win of the season, after starting from pole position. Max Verstappen finished second, having started 21st, with Isack Hadjar completing the podium for Red Bull. Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli finished fourth and fifth, securing the 2026 Constructors’ Championship.
Charles Leclerc finished eighth for Ferrari after receiving a five-second post-race penalty for contact with Liam Lawson. Lawson, who started third for Racing Bulls, finished seventh. Nico Hülkenberg secured the final point for Audi in tenth position.
