Debate | Verstappen now has one hand on the world title thanks to Mercedes

The most important part of the race weekend in Brazil is yet to come, but with all the drama that has unfolded at the Interlagos circuit so far, it seems like the weekend is already over. Nothing could be further from the truth, however, although Mercedes have cut themselves a sorry figure with Lewis Hamilton's DRS infringement. Will that infringement prove crucial in the title battle with Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing?

For the better part of Saturday, the Formula 1 world was in awe of Hamilton's rear wing. Was it illegal or not? The stewards decided it was and handed out a heavy penalty to Mercedes: Hamilton had to start the sprint qualification in last position.

Will Mercedes help Verstappen to the world title?

During the sprint qualification, the seven-time world champion managed to make up a lot of places, but because of his grid penalty he will start in tenth position. Not exactly how Mercedes had envisaged it.

Over the course of the weekend more than just Hamilton's DRS system came to light. Red Bull claims that their rival team's rear wing is too flexible, something Mercedes accused Red Bull of earlier in the season. At the time it was still legal, but the FIA made changes to the regulations to prevent a repetition.

Mercedes faces new obstacle

According to Red Bull, it is Mercedes who are not adhering to the new regulations. With this the team gives a warning, which became painful for the German racing team on Saturday. Mercedes were hoping for a dominant sprint qualification from Hamilton to ensure he minimised the damage caused by Mercedes' DRS infringement.

The penalty has meant that Hamilton has been caught up in the midfield chaos. He needs to survive that before the team can look further up the grid. If he can, the next obstacle that awaits him is the unresolved issue of the rear wing.

But, starting down in P10, Hamilton will almost certainly lose more points to Verstappen - something he can't really afford at this stage of the season.