Lewis Hamilton to Start from the Back of the Grid at São Paulo Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton faces a further grid‑penalty and will line up at the rear for the season‑closing Brazilian Grand Prix, per Formula 1.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton will begin the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix from the back of the grid after the FIA imposed an additional grid‑penalty on the British champion. The sanction follows a series of infractions earlier in the weekend, including a power‑unit component breach and a breach of the 2024 technical regulations, according to Formula 1’s official website.
Hamilton’s penalty adds to the drama of the final race of the season, which already sees the championship battle tightly contested between Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and the Mercedes driver himself. Starting from the rear means Hamilton will need to navigate the 4.309‑km Interlagos circuit’s 15 high‑speed corners while overtaking a field that includes several drivers who have already secured points in the standings.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about the team’s ability to recover positions. "We know Lewis is a master at extracting performance from any situation," Wolff said in a post‑qualifying briefing. "The car is set up for the race, and we’ll work on a strategy that maximises his chances despite the grid drop." The team is expected to adopt a two‑stop strategy with an early tyre change to gain track position, a tactic that has paid off in previous races when Hamilton has started deep in the field.
For Indian fans, the race will be broadcast live on FanCode with commentary in English and Hindi. The Grand Prix kicks off at 2:00 pm IST on Sunday, November 10, and will run for 71 laps. Fans can also follow live timing on the official F1 app, which provides real‑time updates on Hamilton’s progress through the pack.
Hamilton’s back‑of‑grid start adds an extra layer of intrigue to what is already the season’s most pivotal race. While the penalty is a setback, the experienced driver’s record of climbing through the field suggests he could still influence the championship outcome, especially if the leaders encounter trouble on the demanding Interlagos circuit.
Source: Formula1.com