After Hamilton’s (Ferrari) penalty: Qualifying like a test session, his stance on Leclerc

Even after such a turbulent final practice session as the one ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix, most of the questions directed at Lewis Hamilton centred on his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc. No wonder, given the row in Mexico.

But first things first: Lewis Hamilton went into Saturday’s traditional Brazilian Grand Prix knowing he would receive a ten-place grid penalty – due to the fitting of new engine components. Then, however, there was another problem with the power unit during the third free practice session, meaning yet another change, and so it was already clear before qualifying that Lewis Hamilton would have to start from the very back of the grid (or from the pit lane – that’s not entirely clear yet).

So, it didn’t really matter what position Hamilton finished in during qualifying. Lewis himself, however, did care.

The seven-time Formula 1 champion says: “I love the adrenaline of qualifying, and I love driving in the rain. Interlagos is such a great circuit, especially when the track is wet.”

“Ultimately, this final practice session was nothing more than a test for Sunday for me – a chance to dip my toes in the water, so to speak, and get a feel for the conditions for the Grand Prix.”

Topic of the week

World Champion Kimi Antonelli: record-breaker, heart-breaker, the Tifosi’s dream

With his third-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest of the 36 Formula 1 world champions to date. The 20-year-old Italian is on a record-breaking run. The Tifosi are dreaming of Antonelli in a Ferrari.

Read More

TV Program

Today

Sao Paulo: Das Rennen

FIA Formula One World Championship

08.11.2026 - 17:10

The subsequent questions then centred on his rebellious team-mate Charles Leclerc. Hamilton spoke about it for the first time following his discussion with team principal Fred Vasseur and the Monegasque driver.

The 106-time Grand Prix winner said: “Fred sat down with us, we sorted it out and are now putting it behind us. We still have enormous respect for one another. I’m glad we had a proper chat. Our relationship is just as it always has been – normal.”

“Sometimes situations just arise where a conversation becomes necessary. There were no demands made during this conversation, by anyone; the three of us simply explained our points of view and discussed in which areas we can work together to support each other better. I hope we’ll have better races in future.”