News Summary
- Lewis Hamilton described himself as devastated after a difficult São Paulo Grand Prix, citing tyre problems, severe oversteer and a costly late spin.
- The Ferrari driver thanked the Brazilian fans for their support and praised his mechanics for their work throughout the weekend.
- Hamilton also congratulated Mercedes on securing its ninth constructors’ championship, calling the achievement fully deserved.
Lewis Hamilton admitted he was devastated by his São Paulo Grand Prix performance after finishing ninth at Interlagos, revealing his frustration with Ferrari’s lack of pace while delivering an emotional message to Brazilian fans and congratulating his former Mercedes team on winning the 2026 Formula 1 constructors’ championship.
The seven-time world champion took to Instagram on Monday, November 9, to reflect on a race that began with an impressive recovery from 20th on the grid but ended with another disappointing result for Ferrari. Hamilton struggled with tyre performance throughout the afternoon and lost further ground when he spun as rain intensified during the closing stages.
The message followed his explanation of Ferrari’s late weather communication and his decision to remain on slick tyres, for which he had already accepted responsibility.
Hamilton admits devastation after difficult Ferrari race
Hamilton described the disappointment of leaving Interlagos without the result he had hoped to deliver, particularly after making such a strong start.
“Devastated by yesterday’s race, especially with how it ended. It started so well, but we struggled with the tyres and massive oversteer,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram.
“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 British driver had already endured a difficult weekend after Ferrari was forced to replace his entire power unit following problems during final practice. The change resulted in a back-of-grid penalty, leaving him facing a recovery drive on Sunday.
Hamilton gained 11 positions on the opening lap, but the Ferrari struggled to maintain competitive tyre temperatures as conditions changed. His late spin further compromised a race in which he had hoped to challenge for a stronger points finish.
Despite the result, he praised the effort made by Ferrari’s personnel throughout the weekend.
“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.”
Hamilton sends emotional message to Brazilian fans
Hamilton has maintained a particularly close relationship with Brazilian supporters throughout his Formula 1 career, and his latest message reflected the disappointment of failing to reward them with a stronger performance.
“This place holds such a special place in my heart; the love you give to me I send right back to you.”
The British driver has repeatedly expressed his admiration for Ayrton Senna and his affection for Brazil, where he was granted honorary citizenship in 2022.
His latest visit to Interlagos was also significant because it marked his 400th Formula 1 race start. However, the milestone came during another challenging weekend for Ferrari, with both drivers struggling to match the pace of the leading teams.
The São Paulo Grand Prix was won by Lando Norris ahead of Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, while Hamilton finished ninth and teammate Charles Leclerc took eighth after a post-race penalty.
Hamilton congratulates Mercedes on ninth Constructors’ title
Hamilton also used his message to recognise Mercedes’ championship success. His former team secured its ninth constructors’ title at Interlagos, completing a championship double after Andrea Kimi Antonelli won the drivers’ crown in Mexico City.
“Well done to Mercedes for winning the Constructors’ Championship and the incredible year they’ve had overall. Truly deserved,” Hamilton wrote.
The congratulations carry particular significance given Hamilton’s history with Mercedes. The British driver won six of his seven world championships with the German manufacturer and played a central role in its run of eight consecutive constructors’ titles between 2014 and 2021.
Mercedes secured the 2026 championship after George Russell finished fourth and Antonelli fifth in Brazil, ending a five-year wait for another constructors’ crown.
Hamilton concluded his Instagram message by thanking the supporters who have continued following him through Ferrari’s difficult season.
“To everyone supporting us, thank you for sticking with us through the difficult days as well as the good ones. I feel that support, and I don’t take it for granted.”
Ferrari now has a break before the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 19–21, where the team will seek to address the tyre-management difficulties that affected both drivers in Brazil.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following the final rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 championship, with breaking news and real-time updates in its Formula 1 section.
