Hamilton and Verstappen Engine Penalties Shake Up Sao Paulo Grid as Lawson Exit Talk Draws 'Pathetic' Label

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen will start the Sao Paulo Grand Prix from 20th and 21st after engine penalties reshaped the Interlagos grid. Lando Norris took pole in wet qualifying as Mexico City fallout kept the paddock busy.

Why it matters:

The penalties turn Sunday into a recovery drive for two of F1's biggest names and give Norris clean air at the front. Interlagos offers overtaking chances, but traffic and weather could make the fight back unpredictable.

The details:

• Hamilton and Verstappen's penalties dropped both champions deep into the field, significantly changing the starting order.
• Martin Brundle called Red Bull 'pathetic' if the Mexico practice clash between Liam Lawson and Verstappen plays any role in Lawson losing his Racing Bulls seat for 2027.
• Hamilton said he and Charles Leclerc have 'squashed' their Ferrari tension after a meeting following the Mexico City GP.
• George Russell was furious after Mercedes aborted a Q3 lap he felt was pole-worthy.
• Daniel Ricciardo has been contacted by Fortescue Zero Racing over a possible Formula E switch, while Sergio Perez got a formal warning for throwing a cable organiser from his Cadillac cockpit.

What's next:

Sunday will show whether the shaken-up grid produces chaos or a measured charge. Off track, Lawson's future, Ferrari's dynamic and Ricciardo's plans remain in focus.