Lewis Hamilton Sends Message to Ferrari Fans After “Devastating” Brazilian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton Reflects on Brazilian Grand Prix Spin

Lewis Hamilton said he was “devastated” by the outcome of his Brazilian Grand Prix after a strong recovery drive from the back of the grid ended with a late-race spin at Interlagos. The Ferrari driver finished ninth and a lap down in his 400th grand prix.

Hamilton started 20th after receiving an engine penalty but made immediate progress on intermediate tyres, gaining 11 positions during the early stages. As his rear tyres began to fade, he pushed Ferrari to switch to slick tyres and became the first driver to make the change.

The race changed when rain returned on lap 62. Hamilton remained on slick tyres for one additional lap but spun shortly before reaching the pits. He eventually recovered to finish ninth, although the incident ended his hopes of converting his impressive early charge into a stronger result.

“Devastated by yesterday’s race, especially with how it ended. It started so well, but we struggled with the tyres and massive oversteer,” the seven-time champion posted.

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“In those conditions, it made things incredibly difficult. I pushed as hard as I could, but we just didn’t have the pace this weekend. We’ll work to understand why and come back fighting at the next race.

“The team worked so hard on the car all weekend and I’m grateful for every bit of that effort. Ultimately, this isn’t the race we wanted to deliver. Especially to this crowd.

“Brasil, thank you always for the energy and support. This place holds such a special place in my heart, the love you give to me I send right back to you. Well done to Mercedes for winning the constructors’ championship and the incredible year they’ve had overall. Truly deserved.”

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Hamilton Thanks Ferrari and Brazilian Supporters

Hamilton also acknowledged Ferrari’s work throughout the weekend and expressed regret that the team could not deliver the result it wanted in front of the Brazilian crowd. He said the changing conditions, tyre difficulties and significant oversteer made the race particularly challenging.

The seven-time world champion then addressed supporters of both himself and Ferrari, thanking them for remaining behind the team during difficult results as well as more successful weekends.

“To everyone supporting us, thank you for sticking with us through the difficult days as well as the good ones,” he concluded. “I feel that support, and I don’t take it for granted.”

Hamilton currently sits fourth in the drivers’ standings with three rounds remaining in the season. His Brazilian Grand Prix result came as Mercedes secured the constructors’ championship, which Hamilton described as deserved after the team’s season and overall performance.

Why This Matters

Hamilton’s Brazilian Grand Prix highlighted both the potential and the risk of recovering from the back of the grid in changing weather. His climb from 20th to ninth showed Ferrari’s ability to make significant progress during the opening phase, but tyre degradation, the timing of the switch to slicks and the return of rain ultimately limited the result.

With three rounds still remaining, Hamilton and Ferrari will now focus on understanding why the car lacked pace and why it struggled with tyre performance and oversteer at Interlagos before the next race.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Lewis Hamilton start the Brazilian Grand Prix from 20th?

Hamilton started from the back of the grid after receiving an engine penalty.

What happened to Lewis Hamilton late in the race?

When rain returned on lap 62, Hamilton stayed on slick tyres for one more lap and spun shortly before reaching the pits. He finished ninth and a lap down.

Where is Lewis Hamilton in the drivers’ standings?

Hamilton is fourth in the drivers’ standings with three rounds remaining in the season.