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Lewis Hamilton learns fate as FIA make decision on changing Brazilian GP race result
Lewis Hamilton managed to salvage at least one championship point from a tumultuous Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, despite facing penalties that affected his Mercedes team. The event at Interlagos was marked by chaos, with Hamilton finishing in 10th place while his teammate, George Russell, crossed the line in fourth.
This result means Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, secures a solitary point after a particularly challenging three days, which included a disappointing 11th place finish in the Saturday sprint race. The weekend’s troubles were compounded by adverse weather conditions, as torrential rain swept over the circuit just before the Grand Prix was set to start.
The race was initially delayed when Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll found himself in the gravel during the formation lap. This incident triggered confusion, leading to Lando Norris, Yuki Tsunoda, Russell, and Liam Lawson inadvertently completing an extra formation lap before being cleared to do so. The stewards’ decision to abort the start resulted in a ten-minute delay, during which both Hamilton and Russell had to adjust their tire pressures.
The situation was reported to FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer, who highlighted that the adjustments made were in violation of Technical Directive TD003 N, specifically items 2. c) and 2. h) i. Bauer noted that the tire pressure adjustments were made while the wheels were still attached to the cars, prompting him to escalate the matter to the stewards.
In the aftermath, the FIA determined that although Mercedes would incur two fines exceeding £4,000 for procedural breaches, both drivers would retain their race positions. The FIA explained that this leniency was due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the race, including the compressed timetable, the aborted start, and the specific grid access issues. They stated that since the tire pressures were ultimately within acceptable limits, imposing a sporting penalty was not deemed appropriate in this unique scenario. However, they cautioned that this decision should not set a precedent for future similar incidents.
Hamilton had a particularly rough time during the race weekend, expressing his frustration with the performance of his W15 car. He described the vehicle’s handling as akin to driving “a plank of wood,” criticizing its lack of suspension and excessive stiffness that made cornering difficult. Hamilton’s candid assessment pointed to an overall struggle to maintain control and harness power throughout the event, labeling the ride quality as possibly the worst he had ever experienced in Formula 1.
Looking ahead, Hamilton expressed cautious optimism about the final three races of the season in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, hoping they would not be as tumultuous as the Brazilian outing. Yet, he also made a striking admission about his current state of mind regarding the remaining races, suggesting that he would be content to take a break instead of continuing to race under the current challenging conditions.
As the season progresses, Hamilton’s frustrations reflect a broader struggle for the Mercedes team, as they grapple with performance issues that have plagued them throughout the year. With just a few races left, both Hamilton and
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