Hamilton suffers fresh blow as Ferrari makes drastic call ahead of qualifying

The seven-time world champion was already facing a 10-place grid penalty after exceeding his permitted allocation of internal combustion engines (ICE), with Ferrari fitting a fifth unit ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix.

However, the situation deteriorated during Saturday's final practice session, when Hamilton encountered further technical difficulties that prompted the Italian team to investigate the condition of his power unit.

Following FP3, Ferrari removed the power unit from Hamilton's SF-26 to conduct additional checks. The subsequent analysis led the team to replace the complete assembly rather than retain the components already fitted to the car.

The decision has increased the severity of Hamilton's grid penalty, leaving the British driver at the back of the field for Sunday's race instead of the 10-place drop he originally faced.

Despite the setback, Hamilton will participate in qualifying as scheduled, with his focus shifting towards preparing for a race in which he will need to work, just like Max Verstappen, his way through the field.