Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen will start the Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix with brand new PU components.
The Ferrari duo of Hamilton and Leclerc are slated to start the race at Interlagos from at least the second-half of the grid after a difficult outing on Friday.
Both drivers struggled in the high-speed sections with the Maranello-based squad opting to fit a brand-new internal combustion engine (ICE) on both SF-26s.
That said, Hamilton did seem to have some teething issues with his power unit with smoke pluming out of the rear of his car.
With this, both Hamilton and Leclerc are set to receive a 10-place grid drop each for taking these elements outside the allocated pool for the first time this season.
Over at Red Bull, Verstappen was also struggling with his engine. The Milton-Keynes-based team has decided to change several components on the Dutchman’s PU, meaning he will take a massive 30-place grid penalty and start the Sao Paulo GP from the very back of the grid.
Along with the trio, George Russell is also slated to take a five-place grid penalty for a new ICE, and Sergio Perez has been handed a 30-place grid drop for a new ICE, turbocharger and MGU-K.
Can Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen turn F1 Sao Paulo GP deficit around?
Hamilton’s supreme recovery drive during the 2021 season at Interlagos means the Ferrari driver would be optimistic to turn his grid drop into a solid result for the Scuderia on Sunday.
Hamilton started the race from 10th on the grid, but climbed all the way up to P1, beating his title rival Verstappen to the chequered flag.
Verstappen himself is no stranger to stellar recovery drives at Sao Paulo.
Back in 2024, the Red Bull driver converted a 17th-place grid slot into a sublime victory at Interlagos in treacherous conditions.
Therefore, given the sweeping sections and the long straights, a low grid position is never a reason count a driver out especially when they have a combined 11 F1 World Championships between them.
READ MORE – Charles Leclerc reveals ‘needed’ Ferrari conversation after Lewis Hamilton clash
Discussion about this post