Hamilton wins Sao Paulo Grand Prix from 10th as Verstappen's title lead narrows

Lewis Hamilton won the 2021 Sao Paulo Grand Prix from 10th on the grid after a weekend that began with disqualification from qualifying. His Mercedes failed a DRS deflection test, with stewards finding the rear wing's outer flap opened beyond the permitted 85 millimetres, and strict liability rules meant the disqualification could not be avoided. He also took a separate five-place grid penalty for an additional internal combustion engine.

Hamilton climbed 15 positions in the sprint to finish fifth, then ran through the field on Sunday and fought with Max Verstappen for the lead before passing him. He won by over 10 seconds from Verstappen, with Valtteri Bottas completing the podium. Hamilton said he had never expected to close the gap as he did, adding that the team had stayed positive despite the penalties.

Verstappen said the team had given everything but lacked a little pace at the end, and that the points lead remained good. Bottas's podium further reduced the championship leader's advantage.