Lewis Hamilton expects overtaking to be more difficult during the Brazilian Grand Prix than in previous years. In doing so, he echoes Max Verstappen’s comments. The Ferrari driver will have to fight his way through the field after an engine change, but he doubts that a major charge at Interlagos will be as feasible as it once was. In his view, the removal of one particular element is a major factor.

Hamilton will start the race from twentieth place, just ahead of Max Verstappen. The Briton was initially handed a ten-place grid penalty for a new internal combustion engine, but encountered further engine problems during the third practice session. He reported a loss of power and smoke in the cockpit, prompting Ferrari to replace the entire power unit before qualifying.

Hamilton praises Ferrari

The mechanics got his car ready in time for the wet qualifying session. Hamilton finished eleventh, although he mainly used the session to prepare for Sunday. After all, the penalty meant he would have to start from the back anyway. It does put him one place ahead of Verstappen, as the Dutchman’s qualifying ended after Q1.

"The car was okay. Unfortunately, we have that penalty, but the guys did a great job getting the car back in shape," Hamilton said afterwards. “For us, it was really a practice session to understand the conditions and find out how the tyres were working,” he explained. He says that is useful either way, even if it does not rain on Sunday.

Hamilton expects a tougher fight through the field

Interlagos has often offered opportunities to make up places from the back of the field. However, Hamilton thinks the current cars make such a charge more difficult. In the past, a pursuing driver could gain a speed advantage on the straight with DRS; this season, drivers instead use an electric overtake mode.

Verstappen also warned after qualifying that its effect on the long straight could be limited, as drivers use up their available electrical energy. Hamilton also points to the advantage DRS used to provide. "I think it’s going to be more difficult. Of course, you had that long straight here. If you got close, you had DRS and the car in front might not," he says.

He is therefore prepared for a race in which it will be difficult to make his way through the field. “I think overtaking is going to be very difficult. I don’t know if we’ll see the same kind of races as in the past. But perhaps the weather conditions will change a little,” he says, leaving room for doubt.

Hamilton certainly enjoyed the rain during qualifying. “I love the rain, so I had fun. It’s incredibly challenging, though.” Ferrari also used the available laps to check the replacement power unit and saved tyres in case the race is wet. At the moment, rain is forecast only after the race, although the region is known for its rapidly changing weather.