Lewis Hamilton ‘devastated’ as Sao Paulo GP unravels after ‘rocket’ start

Lewis Hamilton has expressed his devastation at how his Sao Paulo Grand Prix unfolded after a stunning start and opening lap one rival branded a "rocketship start."

From 20th on the grid after taking a fresh power unit, in the tricky conditions on Intermediate tyres, by Turn 5 on the opening lap, Hamilton was passing the Haas of Oliver Bearman, who had started sixth, and ended the first lap in ninth place.

The launch of Hamilton and that of Max Verstappen from 21st off the grid were branded as "rocketship starts" by Gabriel Bortoleto, but by Lap 3, Hamilton had began to struggle and was passed by Verstappen as he slipped back down the order and out of the points. 

After insisting with the team, Hamilton then became the first driver to pull the trigger for the slick tyres on Lap 15, climbing back up to ninth, before crucially missing the pit-entry late on when the rain returned as he was forced to stay out for another lap in the worsening conditions.

Climbing the hill, Hamilton then spun and thumped the barrier with the rear wing as he crawled into the pits for his intermediate tyres, as he came across the finish line in ninth place in his 400th grand prix - and was lapped for the first time since the 2022 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Taking to social media, Hamilton expressed his devastation with how the race had panned out. 

"Devastated by yesterday’s race, especially with how it ended. It started so well, but we struggled with the tyres and massive oversteer," he wrote on Instagram.

"In those conditions, it made things incredibly difficult. I pushed as hard as I could, but we just didn’t have the pace this weekend. We’ll work to understand why and come back fighting at the next race.

"The team worked so hard on the car all weekend and I’m grateful for every bit of that effort. Ultimately, this isn’t the race we wanted to deliver, especially to this crowd 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷❤️‍🔥 Brasil, thank you always for the energy and support. 

"This place holds such a special place in my heart; the love you give to me I send right back to you."

Hamilton also congratulated his former Mercedes team on winning its ninth constructors' title after the race, and thanked fans for "sticking with us."

"Well done to Mercedes for winning the Constructors' Championship and the incredible year they’ve had overall. Truly deserved," he said.
 

"To everyone supporting us, thank you for sticking with us through the difficult days as well as the good ones. I feel that support, and I don’t take it for granted."