Hamilton and Leclerc hit with 10-place grid penalties in Brazil

Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have both been handed 10-place grid penalties for the Brazilian Grand Prix by the FIA stewards. Both drivers have moved on to a fifth internal combustion engine of the 2026 season at Interlagos, exceeding their allowance.

The penalties are a boost for Mercedes, which can clinch the constructors' title in Sao Paulo if it outscores Ferrari by three points or more. Hamilton reported smoke in the cockpit during final practice, and his SF-26 was suspended in the garage while mechanics worked on it. George Russell, Mercedes' other driver, drops five places after taking his sixth engine of the campaign.

Ferrari arrives after a dispute between Hamilton and Leclerc at the Mexican Grand Prix, where Leclerc received a five-second time penalty. Leclerc said the matter was now "settled", while Hamilton said he would not be silenced.