Hamilton and Verstappen to Start from the Back of the Grid in Sao Paulo

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen will start from the back of the grid at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix due to engine penalties. Ferrari drivers Hamilton and Leclerc were initially set to drop 10 places for using a fifth engine of the season, one more than permitted.

Hamilton's new engine ran into trouble straight away in the final practice session. After smoke rose from the car, the Briton could only complete seven laps. With the engine removed for inspection, Ferrari announced it would change the entire power unit before the final. This change led to new penalties and Hamilton starting from the back of the grid.

Verstappen's penalty also came from replacing several engine components and was confirmed before final practice. Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies told Sky Sports: "We will apply an engine penalty to Max. He will start from the back, a position he knows very well here. He has made miracles from the back before, and we are sure he will create a few more this year."

Russell's penalty for the new engine is five places. Mercedes want to secure the Constructors' Championship on Sunday. The Silver Arrows will become champions if they score at least three points more than their rivals. In the drivers' standings, Verstappen, Hamilton, Russell and Leclerc are battling for second place, with a 16-point gap and four races remaining. Rain is forecast for Sunday's race. The race starts at 17:00 and can be watched live on Sky Sports F1.