OFFICIAL: Hamilton loses pole due to DRS penalty

Lewis Hamilton has lost his pole for Saturday's sprint qualifying session. The Mercedes driver's car had to go to the stewards due to a violation with the DRS mechanism and that mistake cost Hamilton his pole and he has been disqualified.

Penalty for Hamilton

Hamilton took pole at Interlagos on Friday but the seven-time World Champion could not enjoy it for long. The number 44 car was taken to the stewards because the gap was too big when his DRS was opened. After Verstappen was giving a fine for touching the rear wing of the Mercedes, Hamilton has been disqualified from yesterday's qualifying session and will start the F1 Sprint at the back of the grid.

The news comes as a blow to Hamilton who must therefore watch Max Verstappen start Saturday's sprint race from first position. While Valtteri Bottas will start in second place, Sergio Perez will take third on the grid.

New combustion engine for Hamilton

The British driver opted to replace his combustion engine this weekend. It means Hamilton will also face a five-place grid penalty this Sunday, meaning he will start even further down the grid for the race itself.