Lewis Hamilton learns fate as FIA make decision on Brazilian GP race result

Despite a tumultuous weekend at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton will still walk away with a point. The Mercedes team faced post-race penalties after a chaotic race at Interlagos, where George Russell finished fourth and Hamilton ended up in 10th place.

This means that Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, will take home a single point from an otherwise disastrous three days. He only managed to finish 11th in the Saturday sprint race.

Qualifying was postponed until Sunday due to heavy rain, with the 39 year old starting 16th after being eliminated in Q1. As the Grand Prix was about to start, the downpour continued, forcing stewards to abort the start when Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll skidded onto the gravel during the formation lap.

In the ensuing chaos, Lando Norris, Yuki Tsunoda, Russell, and Liam Lawson all started an additional formation lap without permission, causing a 10-minute delay. During this time, both Hamilton and Russell had their tyre pressures adjusted again.

FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer reported the incident, stating: "As this is in contradiction to TD003 N, items 2. c) and 2. h) i., I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration," Bauer also confirmed his interpretation that the tyre pressure was released while the wheels were on the car, reports the Express.

The FIA has confirmed that Mercedes will be hit with two fines totalling just over £8,000 for procedural breaches, but drivers will retain their race positions. The governing body explained the decision, citing exceptional circumstances: "Given the unusual circumstances surrounding the compressed time table, aborted start, the grid access logistics and given the stipulation from the Technical Delegate that the tyre pressures were within the correct parameters, the stewards determine that a fine for a breach of procedure is appropriate in this case," they stated.

"Normally a breach of this nature, within a competitive session would carry a sporting penalty but it is not appropriate in this case. However, this decision should not be considered as a precedent for any similar breach in the future as the circumstances are considered unique."

This announcement follows the driver's candid feedback on his W15 car's performance to Sky Sports: "It's like a plank of wood," he said. "There's just no suspension. It's just bouncing on the tyres everywhere, and you can't get the power anywhere. I think it's definitely the worst ride we've ever had, especially when we are going through corners. It's so stiff."

Hamilton conveyed optimism that the season's last three venues—Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi—might not be as 'bouncy'. In a frank confession regarding the upcoming trio of races with Mercedes, he admitted: "I could happily go and take a holiday right now."