- World champion will start in sixth, at best, at Interlagos
- Hamilton pole for sprint race in doubt over DRS irregularity
Lewis Hamilton’s hopes of taking a record eighth Formula One championship have been dealt a potentially severe blow after he received a grid penalty for the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The world champion gave himself a chance to fight back with a dominant performance to take pole in qualifying for Saturday’s sprint race, yet even that may not be secure. An hour and a half after qualifying, Hamilton’s car was referred to the stewards when it was found to have an irregularity in his DRS system and is under investigation. If a breach of the technical regulations is found he could be disqualified from qualifying and start the sprint from last place.
