Hamilton hit with further power unit penalty before Sao Paulo GP

Lewis Hamilton has been handed a further power unit penalty ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix, after a second engine change was required. He had already received a 10-place grid penalty for fitting a new internal combustion engine in his Ferrari SF-26 for the final practice session at Interlagos.

Hamilton reported smoke in the cockpit around 35 minutes into FP3 and returned to the pits, where smoke was seen coming from several areas of the car. He did not take part in the rest of the session. Ferrari then decided to replace the entire power unit, which means Hamilton will join Max Verstappen at the back of the grid.

A Ferrari spokesperson confirmed that Hamilton will take part in qualifying but must start Sunday's race from the back. Team-mate Charles Leclerc was also given a new internal combustion engine for the session.