Hamilton admits he is 'devastated' after spin ends strong Brazil GP charge in ninth

Lewis Hamilton described himself as “devastated” after a promising Brazilian Grand Prix unravelled with a late spin, leaving the Ferrari driver ninth and a lap down at Interlagos on Sunday — his 400th Formula 1 start.

Hamilton had been forced to begin from the back of the grid following an engine penalty, but carved through the field on intermediate tyres in the early stages, climbing 11 places before his rear tyres began to fade. He pushed Ferrari to switch to slicks and was the first driver to make the call.

The race turned against him on lap 62 when the rain returned. Hamilton stayed out one additional lap on slicks before spinning just short of the pit entry, effectively ending any chance of a points finish that would have reflected his recovery drive.

“Devastated by yesterday’s race, especially with how it ended,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram on Monday. “It started so well, but we struggled with the tyres and massive oversteer. In those conditions, it made things incredibly difficult. I pushed as hard as I could, but we just didn’t have the pace this weekend. We’ll work to understand why and come back fighting at the next race.”

The seven-time champion also paid tribute to the effort of his team and acknowledged the Brazilian crowd, for whom he has long held a particular affection. “The team worked so hard on the car all weekend and I’m grateful for every bit of that effort. Ultimately, this isn’t the race we wanted to deliver. Especially to this crowd.”

Hamilton also offered congratulations to his former team Mercedes, who clinched the constructors’ championship at Interlagos. “Well done to Mercedes for winning the constructors’ championship and the incredible year they’ve had overall. Truly deserved,” he wrote.

Closing his post with a message to supporters, Hamilton said: “To everyone supporting us, thank you for sticking with us through the difficult days as well as the good ones. I feel that support, and I don’t take it for granted.”

Hamilton sits fourth in the drivers’ standings with three rounds of the season remaining.