Why Lewis Hamilton starts Brazil GP ahead of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez despite bigger penalty

Lewis Hamilton will start the Brazilian Grand Prix from 20th position after taking a 65-place grid drop for power unit changes - despite the two drivers behind him, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, getting smaller penalties.

Hamilton went into Saturday knowing he would be taking a 10-place grid penalty for using a fifth Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) unit, exceeding the maximum quota of four. But Ferrari elected to change his power unit entirely after he reported an engine issue during third practice on Saturday morning.

The seven-time world champion did take part in qualifying and got through Q1 alongside Verstappen, who accepted a 30-place grid drop for exceeding power unit part allocations on his Red Bull. But when the grid was published, Hamilton was ahead of Verstappen and Cadillac's Perez, who also took a grid penalty.

READ NEXT: Lewis Hamilton says Ferrari boss 'hasn't cleared the air' with Charles Leclerc after crunch meeting

Why Lewis Hamilton 'gained' two positions after Brazil GP penalty

The reason for Hamilton's better grid position is down to the way in which the FIA calculates grid penalties - which is not as simple as applying the penalty sizes to the final order.

Hamilton's decision to take part in Q2, with Verstappen sitting out the session and Perez finishing in 21st in Q1, means he was given priority by the FIA when it comes to determining the final grid order.

The FIA's regulations state that, in a case where a driver receives 15 or fewer cumulative grid penalties, they are given a temporary grid position which is equal to their qualifying position plus the amount of grid penalties. Mercedes' George Russell, for instance, qualified in second place but will start seventh after picking up a five-place grid penalty.

While that part is simple enough, the situation changes for drivers who have received more than 15 cumulative grid penalties. They are assigned an automatic 'back of the grid' position in the final classification, because there are not enough places on the grid to come up with a final number. Qualifying order, therefore, takes priority when more than one driver is involved.

The full regulation, detailed within the FIA's Sporting Regulations, reads as follows: "Classified drivers who have accrued more than 15 cumulative unserved grid position penalties for the Race will start behind any other classified driver. Their relative position will be determined in accordance with their Qualifying classification."

Lewis Hamilton will start ahead of Max Verstappen at the Brazil GP (Image: Getty)

While there are certain tracks that starting two places up from the back may not be particularly useful, the expected changeable conditions in Brazil could make it significant for Hamilton. In 2024, Verstappen started all the way down in 17th but picked up six positions on lap one before going on to win the Grand Prix.

READ NEXT: Felipe Massa makes fresh Kimi Antonelli and Ferrari claim after first Drivers' Championship

Will Lewis Hamilton start from the pit lane in the Brazil GP?

Should Hamilton opt not to risk starting from the grid if conditions are challenging, he would have the option of starting from the pit lane if he and Ferrari choose.

But speaking to reporters after qualifying, he didn't indicate he would be doing so - at least at that stage.

"That's what we're trying to do [overtake the cars in front]," he said. "It's going to be really tricky conditions but I love racing in the rain. I was basically using the qualifying session as a test, making sure the engine is working and the car felt good.

"I love qualifying and getting to drive in the rain. It's such an amazing track to race in the rain conditions, in the wet particularly. I wish I could have stayed out and had a bit of a battle with everyone."