Lewis Hamilton's Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend took another turn for the worse when Ferrari confirmed he would incur additional grid penalties for Sunday's race, just before qualifying began.
Hamilton already faced a 10-place grid drop in Brazil after fitting a new internal combustion engine to his car, his fifth of the season. Teams are allowed only four engines per car per season, so the introduction of a fifth triggered an automatic penalty.
Engine problem emerges in practice
During the final hour of practice, the first time the new ICE was used, a problem became apparent. Hamilton reported smelling smoke from the cockpit, and Ferrari instructed him to return to the garage as quickly as possible.
Burning oil could be smelled in the pit lane after Hamilton returned, raising doubts over whether the new engine could still be used for qualifying.
Another power unit needed
Ferrari has now confirmed the engine cannot be used, meaning another new power unit must be fitted to the car. This will result in further grid penalties for Hamilton at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
