Hamilton handed back-of-grid start for Brazilian GP after Ferrari engine failure in FP3

Lewis Hamilton will start the Brazilian Grand Prix from the back of the grid at Interlagos after Ferrari confirmed a full power unit replacement on Saturday, triggered by an engine failure during Free Practice 3.

Hamilton had already been handed a 10-place grid penalty earlier in the morning when Ferrari fitted his fifth internal combustion engine of the season, exceeding the permitted quota for the first time in 2025. That penalty alone would have been damaging enough, but the session quickly unravelled further.

During FP3, Hamilton reported “strange vibrations” from the new engine and unusually aggressive engine braking in the opening half of the session, leaving him only eighth-fastest in the medium-tyre order. Minutes later he was called into the pits permanently as smoke began to pour from the SF-26, ending his session without any soft-compound running.

Ferrari subsequently removed the power unit for inspection and confirmed a brand-new powertrain would be installed in its place. The additional component changes carry further grid penalties that, stacked on top of the existing 10-place drop, are sufficient to send Hamilton to the very back of the starting grid.

The setback is a significant blow to Hamilton in his debut season with Ferrari. Starting from the rear of the field at Interlagos — a circuit where overtaking is possible but rarely straightforward at the front of the pack — will make a points finish an uphill task, let alone a podium challenge.

Ferrari has indicated that further updates will follow as the team assesses the full extent of the damage and finalises the specification of Hamilton’s replacement power unit ahead of qualifying.