Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton launched a furious tirade against the sport's officials, branding the FIA stewards a 'complete joke' after a penalty-filled Brazilian Grand Prix that forced him into a premature retirement.
A Torrid Race at Interlagos
The weekend at the Interlagos circuit proved to be another deeply challenging one for Hamilton and the Ferrari team. After a difficult qualifying session on Saturday left him starting from a lowly 13th position on the grid, his Sunday race unravelled quickly.
The 40-year-old's hopes suffered an immediate blow off the start line when he made contact with the Williams of Carlos Sainz – the very driver he replaced at Ferrari. This incident sent him tumbling down the running order. His fortunes worsened when he briefly touched the rear of Franco Colapinto’s Alpine car on the main straight, an encounter that resulted in a broken front wing.
After pitting for repairs, Hamilton found himself at the back of the pack. He continued to fight on, but his efforts were severely hampered by a significant lack of downforce caused by a damaged floor on his car.
The Penalty and Explosive Reaction
Compounding his mechanical woes, the race stewards then handed Hamilton a five-second penalty for the earlier collision with Colapinto. Upon being informed of the sanction over team radio, the British driver did not hold back his feelings.
“These guys are a joke – a complete joke,” Hamilton said, his frustration palpable. Given his car's extensive damage and his position at the rear of the field, the decision was made to retire the car after he served the penalty in the pit-lane.
This resulted in a double DNF for Ferrari, following Charles Leclerc’s own withdrawal earlier in the race. The team's disastrous points haul means they have now dropped to fourth in the constructors’ championship, slipping behind Red Bull.
A Weekend to Forget and a Season of Struggle
Reflecting on the event, Hamilton was forthright, acknowledging it was a 'weekend to forget' where he failed to score a single point. He expressed his devastation for the Ferrari team, whose efforts he praised.
“It’s a shame, because I love Brazil, and also just everyone in the team, every single person in this team, they turn up every week and give it their absolute best,” Hamilton stated. “To come away with nothing, to not finish a race, the second time this year, it’s really devastating.”
He also apologised for his role in the team's struggles, specifically referencing his poor qualifying performance. This latest setback extends Hamilton's podium drought to 21 races as a Ferrari driver. He currently sits sixth in the drivers' world championship, a substantial 66 points behind his teammate Leclerc.
The veteran driver described the current season as a 'nightmare', contrasting the dream of driving for Ferrari with the harsh reality of the results. “This weekend has been disastrous and disappointing for everyone,” he added. “I am trying to keep my head above water and remain positive.”
This incident marks the second consecutive race where Hamilton has voiced his irritation with the stewards, following a 10-second penalty he received after a tussle with Max Verstappen in Mexico.
Meanwhile, Lando Norris won the race at Interlagos, extending his lead in the world championship standings to 24 points with just three rounds remaining. The F1 circus now moves to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, scheduled for 20-22 November.
