Verstappen tops final practice as Hamilton’s new engine lasts just seven laps

News of penalties for power unit changes dominated the F1 headlines ahead of third practice in Brazil. Following George Russell, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc also changed their internal combustion engines. Max Verstappen changed his entire power unit and will start from the back of the grid. That had a major impact on preparations for qualifying.

The fight for pole position has therefore effectively become a battle between Lando Norris and Kimi Antonelli, with neither Isack Hadjar nor Oscar Piastri expected to feature prominently.

Ferrari’s reliability, however, may yet have another say in proceedings. Lewis Hamilton fitted a new internal combustion engine this morning and will take a ten-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race, as will his team-mate Charles Leclerc. His new engine did not even last seven laps, though. Lewis had problems from the start of practice and had to end his programme early in a cloud of smoke. Ferrari’s next update on the engine’s condition will be eagerly awaited.

Lance Stroll also suffered reliability problems, something that has become familiar and surprises few people these days.

Drivers complained widely about their cars’ handling during third practice. The conditions were probably to blame, continuing to cause major headaches for drivers and engineers alike. It is also worth remembering that there is a high risk of heavy rain ahead of qualifying.

Max Verstappen ultimately set the fastest time in third practice, but will start Sunday’s race from the back of the grid and has virtually nothing at stake on Saturday. Kimi Antonelli finished second, with Lando Norris third. Those two drivers, neither of whom is changing any power unit components, are the leading favourites for pole position.

George Russell finished fourth ahead of Charles Leclerc. Ferrari has yet to get to grips with Interlagos and is struggling particularly on the long start-finish straight. That may also be why the team decided to change its engines. In any case, this weekend we expect the Scuderia to play only a supporting role on track for a change.

Oscar Piastri finished sixth, clearly still struggling to unlock the potential of his McLaren. The Racing Bulls drivers were very close behind him and appear to be leading the midfield once again.