Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are to start the Sao Paulo Grand Prix from 20th and 21st, respectively, after major engine penalties.
The two world champions knew they would be starting at the back heading into the treacherous qualifying, after taking new power units - which, in Hamilton's case, was the second of the weekend after his initial new engine sprung a problem in FP3.
They both fell in Q2, although they did not make an attempt to reach Q3, which was topped by fellow world champion Lando Norris, who sailed to pole position.
The outgoing champion is joined on the front row by the incoming one, Kimi Antonelli, after George Russell's second on the road became seventh after his own penalty.
Liam Lawson equalled his career-best grid spot with third, having been fifth on the road before the penalties for Russell and Charles Leclerc, who was fourth, and drops to P14.
Check out the fully adjusted grid for the 2026 F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix below!
NOTE: Grid remains provisional until officially confirmed by the FIA.
2026 F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix - starting grid
| Position | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| POLE | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 2. | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 3. | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls |
| 4. | Nico Hulkenberg | Audi |
| 5. | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull |
| 6. | Oliver Bearman | Haas |
| 7. | George Russell - PENALTY | Mercedes |
| 8. | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin |
| 9. | Alex Albon | Williams |
| 10. | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 11. | Rafael Camara | Haas |
| 12. | Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls |
| 13. | Carlos Sainz | Williams |
| 14. | Charles Leclerc - PENALTY | Ferrari |
| 15. | Franco Colapinto | Alpine |
| 16. | Pierre Gasly | Alpine |
| 17. | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin |
| 18. | Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac |
| 19. | Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi |
| 20. | Lewis Hamilton - PENALTY | Ferrari |
| 21. | Max Verstappen - PENALTY | Red Bull |
| 22. | Sergio Perez - PENALTY | Cadillac |
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Samuel Coop and Nick Golding as they look back on Mexico City but also look ahead to this weekend's São Paulo Grand Prix! Kimi Antonelli become world champion is a lead discussion, as is the latest Ferrari drama!
Rather watch this episode? Then click here!
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