Hamilton Uses Wet Brazil Qualifying as Ferrari Power Unit Test After Penalty

Lewis Hamilton will start the Sao Paulo Grand Prix from the back of the grid after Ferrari made further power unit changes, turning his wet qualifying session into what he called a test. Charles Leclerc also carries a penalty and will line up 14th despite qualifying fourth.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's engine allocation gamble has left both drivers with uphill Sundays. But forecast rain could compress the field and give Leclerc, in particular, a route back toward the podium. Hamilton is focused on reliability and race pace rather than grid position.

The details:

• Hamilton began the weekend with a 10-place penalty after an ICE change; additional PU elements ahead of qualifying sent him to P20.
• He was eliminated in Q2, saying he was saving tyres for a potentially wet 71-lap race and checking that the engine and car felt good.
• Leclerc reached Q3, set the fourth-fastest time, and stays optimistic: the weather remains “crazy,” offering a chance to climb from P14.
• Both drivers expect tricky conditions, with rain likely to reward tyre management and opportunistic strategy.

What's next:

A wet Sao Paulo race is Ferrari's best chance to salvage the weekend. Hamilton's progress will be measured by how far he can slice through the field without risking the power unit; Leclerc's target is clear: podium or bust.