Hamilton’s starting position in Sprint Qualifying has been confirmed by the stewards

It has been announced that Lewis Hamilton will start Sprint Qualifying in Brazil at the rear of the grid, rather than the pit lane.

Following his exclusion from qualifying, Lewis Hamilton has been granted permission by the stewards to start the Sprint Qualifying race in Brazil. He will start at the rear of the field rather than in the pit lane.

Hamilton was disqualified from qualifying when his Mercedes’ Drag Reduction System (DRS) violated technical requirements.

Given the impact of parc ferme regulations to correct the rear wing issue, it wasn’t obvious if Hamilton would start Sprint Qualifying from the back of the field or from the pit lane.

“In accordance with Article 35.1 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations, the stewards grant permission for car 44, Lewis Hamilton, to start Sprint Qualifying, as the driver has set satisfactory times in practice at this event,” read a statement from the stewards, referring to the usual 107 percent rule.

“The car will be placed on the grid in accordance with Article 35.1 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations.”

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