Lewis Hamilton talks about bullying on social media 5:01
(Reuters) -
Formula One stewards sent title contender Lewis Hamilton from first to last at the start for Sao Paulo sprint qualifying on Saturday after his Mercedes car's rear wing failed an inspection technique.
The 100 km sprint determines the starting grid for Sunday's grand prix in Brazil.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, was already facing a five-place drop in that race after an engine change.
Lewis Hamilton photographed on November 13, 2021. Credit: CARL DE SOUZA / AFP via Getty Images
The British driver is 19 points behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen in the standings with four races remaining and his hopes for a record eighth title are drastically reduced.
Verstappen fined € 50,000 for touching Hamilton's car
Also on Saturday, Formula One stewards fined championship leader Max Verstappen 50,000 euros ($ 57,250) after he touched and examined the rear wing of title rival Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes. , after qualifying for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen in Brazil.
Credit: Lars Baron / Getty Images
The 24-year-old, who leads Hamilton by 19 points with four races remaining, qualified second for Saturday's 100-kilometer sprint race that sets the grid for Sunday's grand prix at the Brazilian circuit of Interlagos.
Lewis Hamilton Max Verstappen