Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc hit with Sao Paulo grid penalties in more Ferrari misery

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, both Ferrari drivers, have been handed 10-place grid penalties for the upcoming Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The penalty stems from the duo changing their engines for the first time this season, triggering a FIA sanction. Hamilton experienced issues during final practice after voicing concerns about vibrations from the new engine.

He left the session with 23 minutes remaining as his mechanics began dismantling the car, finishing the session in 12th place. The tension between Hamilton and Ferrari escalated after an incident at the Mexico race, where Hamilton accused Leclerc of poor sportsmanship. Following talks with Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur, the pair agreed the matter was resolved.

However, the dispute reportedly emboldened Max Verstappen to secure victory in the previous race. Verstappen now leads the championship after winning three of the last four races, and will start from the back of the grid after several new engine components were installed. Verstappen's pace in final practice was unparalleled, leading Kimi Antonelli by just 0.025 seconds, with Lando Norris in third.

George Russell, facing his own 5-place grid drop, secured fourth place ahead of Leclerc. The weekend's weather, forecasted to include rain, may impact both qualifying and the race. The Sao Paulo Grand Prix has secured its place on the Formula One calendar until 2035, with a five-year extension announced by Formula One.