Hamilton will also start back of the grid in Sao Paolo whilst Max Verstappen has been handed a £43,000 fine
Lewis Hamilton has been disqualified from qualifying in the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paolo after a rear wing infringement was found on his car.
Hamilton had finished top during Friday’s qualifying session, which meant he was on course to start in pole position for Saturday’s (13 November) Sprint race, but will now start at the back of the grid.
The seven-time Formula One Champion has been dealt another blow by also being given a five-place penalty on the grid, regardless of where he finishes in the Sprint race.
Hamilton’s issues began after Mercedes were forced to make an engine component change on the Brit’s car on Friday (12 November) after fears it wouldn’t be reliable.
It will be a major blow in the Mercedes driver’s quest to win the driver’s championship, with direct rival Max Verstappen now gifted a great chance to extend his 19-point lead at the top of the standings.
However Vertsappen is also in hot water and has been fined £43,000 for breaching parc ferme rules by touching the rear wing of Lewis Hamilton’s car after he was called to the stewards where after a lengthy delay, his punishment was revealed.
The Dutchman won’t face a grid penalty and will remain in pole for Saturday’s sprint race.
