Ferrari has confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will start from the back of the grid at the Brazilian Grand Prix after his new engine developed a problem in FP3.

Hamilton and Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc entered Saturday in Brazil facing a 10-place grid penalty after both drivers took a new internal combustion engine.

Lewis Hamilton facing increased Brazil GP grid penalty after latest Ferrari PU change

However, Hamilton was heard reporting smoke in his cockpit during final practice at Interlagos before returning to the pits for checks.

Hamilton was classified 12th in FP3 having completed just seven laps, 23 fewer than Leclerc’s tally of 30.

Ferrari has opted to carry out a full power unit change ahead of qualifying, meaning Hamilton will serve an additional penalty and will now start Sunday’s race from the back of the grid.

In a statement issued to PlanetF1.com ahead of qualifying, Ferrari said: “Following today’s FP3 session, the power unit fitted to car #44 was removed for further checks.

“After completing our analysis, we have decided to replace the entire power unit.

“Lewis will take part in qualifying but will have to start tomorrow’s race from the back of the grid.”

The FIA is expected to confirm the details of Hamilton’s increased penalty in due course.

Lewis Hamilton vs Charles Leclerc: Ferrari head-to-head stats for F1 2026 season

Hamilton will join Red Bull driver Max Verstappen and Cadillac’s Sergio Perez at the rear of the grid in Brazil.

Verstappen and Perez have also exceeded their engine component pools, triggering a 30-place grid penalty each.

Verstappen has moved on to a fifth internal combustion engine, fifth turbocharger and fifth exhaust.

Meanwhile, Perez has taken a fifth ICE, fifth turbocharger and fourth MGU-K.

George Russell, the Mercedes driver, will also drop five places on the grid after moving on to a sixth ICE of the season.

Hamilton’s latest penalty has further boosted Mercedes’ hopes of sealing the F1 2026 constructors’ title in Brazil.

The Brackley-based outfit will be crowned champions if it outscores Ferrari by three points or more in Sunday’s race.

It would mark Mercedes’ first teams’ championship since 2021 after Kimi Antonelli secured the drivers’ championship in Mexico last weekend.