Lewis Hamilton will start the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after Ferrari confirmed it has replaced his entire power unit following technical problems during final practice at Interlagos. The decision represents a significant setback for the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, who was already facing a 10-place grid penalty after the Italian team introduced a new internal combustion engine earlier in the weekend.
Ferrari has now decided to replace the complete power unit after removing the equipment fitted to car number 44 for further examination. The additional changes mean Lewis Hamilton will face an even greater penalty for Sunday’s race, although the British driver will still participate in Saturday’s qualifying session.
Ferrari confirms complete Lewis Hamilton power unit change after Brazilian GP FP3
The latest development follows a difficult final practice session for Lewis Hamilton, whose preparations were interrupted by technical problems with his Ferrari SF-26.
Following the session, Ferrari carried out further investigations into the power unit before deciding that replacing the entire assembly was the appropriate course of action.
In an official statement, the Maranello team explained:
“Following today’s FP3 session, the power unit fitted to car #44 was removed for further checks. After completing our analysis, we have decided to replace the entire power unit.
“Lewis will take part in qualifying but will have to start tomorrow’s race from the back of the grid.”
The statement confirms the outcome of Ferrari’s investigation without identifying the precise technical cause of the problems experienced during FP3. It also establishes that the team intends to have Lewis Hamilton’s car ready for qualifying, despite the additional work required following the decision to change the entire power unit.
Lewis Hamilton’s original 10-place grid penalty becomes back-of-grid start
Ferrari had already introduced a new internal combustion engine for Lewis Hamilton ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, exceeding his permitted allocation of that component for the season. That initial decision carried a 10-place grid penalty, meaning the British driver was already facing the prospect of recovering positions during Sunday’s race regardless of his qualifying performance.
However, the technical problems encountered in final practice forced Ferrari to reconsider its approach. Instead of proceeding with the previously planned component change, the team has now replaced the entire power unit.
The consequence is that Lewis Hamilton will start from the back of the grid rather than serving only the original 10-place penalty.
Although the additional sanction changes his starting prospects considerably, Ferrari has confirmed that the seven-time world champion will still take part in qualifying. His performance in that session will therefore establish his qualifying position, even though the resulting grid penalties will prevent him from retaining that position for the race.
Another difficult Brazilian GP setback for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari
The announcement comes after Lewis Hamilton’s final practice preparations were compromised by the technical issues that prompted Ferrari’s investigation. With qualifying approaching, the team must now complete the power unit replacement while preparing the SF-26 for the remainder of the weekend.
For Lewis Hamilton, the immediate challenge is no longer simply overcoming a 10-place penalty. He must prepare for Sunday’s Grand Prix knowing that his starting position will leave him with considerable ground to recover.
Interlagos has previously provided the setting for remarkable recovery drives, including Lewis Hamilton’s victory in the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix after overcoming major setbacks earlier in the weekend. However, that history offers no guarantee of a similar result this time. The latest development also means Ferrari’s Brazilian Grand Prix preparations have been further disrupted at a crucial stage, with the team forced to carry out an extensive technical intervention immediately before qualifying.
While Ferrari has confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will participate in qualifying, his starting position for Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix is now set to be at the back of the field. The priority for the Italian team will be completing the replacement successfully and ensuring the car is ready to compete without further technical complications.
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