Lewis Hamilton at the back of the pack in Brazil due to engine issues

Lewis Hamilton suffered an engine nightmare in Brazil and will be forced to start Sunday’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix from the back of the grid.

Ferrari announced ahead of final practice that both of their warring drivers would take 10-place grid drops, with Hamilton and Charles Leclerc changing their internal combustion engine to incur the penalty.

But Hamilton immediately hit trouble. First he complained of vibrations from his new engine before having to come in again with his car pouring smoke from the back.

He jumped out with 23 minutes of FP3 remaining as his mechanics began taking his car apart.

Ferrari subsequently decided that his entire power unit needed replacing, meaning the 41-year-old will need a miracle on Sunday.

“Following today’s FP3 session, the power unit fitted to car #44 was removed for further checks,” Ferrari said in a statement.

“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.”

Hamilton will find himself in illustrious company at the rear of the Interlagos grid, being joined there by four-time champion Max Verstappen.

The Dutchman has risen to second in the standings after victory in three of the last four races but will also start from the back after taking on several new engine components.

It is a position he is familiar with having done the same here over the last two years, famously winning from 17th in the rain in 2024.

Ferrari pair Hamilton and Leclerc held showdown talks with boss Fred Vasseur on Thursday evening after the British driver’s fury over his team-mate’s lap-one overtake on him in Mexico.

Hamilton questioned Leclerc’s mentality and vowed not to be silenced at Ferrari as he arrived in Brazil. Vasseur and Leclerc say the matter is settled after those talks.

A thunderstorm hit the track in the moments after final practice and rain is forecast across the weekend, with the likelihood of qualifying and Sunday’s race being affected.

Formula One announced a five-year extension for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix ahead of qualifying, confirming its place on the calendar until 2035.