Lewis Hamilton suffered a frustrating sprint qualifying in São Paulo, and it has just become even worse.
Lewis Hamilton has avoided a grid penalty after being investigated by the F1 stewards after sprint qualifying at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion was placed under investigation when SQ2 concluded, the same point where the Ferrari driver exited sprint qualifying.
Hamilton was unable to set a second flying lap due to crossing the start line after the chequered flag was waved, leaving him in 11th.
His position was in danger as he visited the F1 stewards. Team-mate Leclerc spun ahead of Hamilton on the exit of Turn 10 at Interlagos, with the Briton having driven past the Monegasque without attempting to slow down despite yellow flags being waved.
However, the stewards only deleted his lap time and, which was slower than his best of the segment, and issued him a reprimand – his first of the season.
Leclerc is due to start the race in eighth place.
