Mercedes driver Hamilton topped Q3 ahead of title rival Max Verstappen at Interlagos, taking first place on the grid for Saturday’s 24-lap sprint race.
But in a bulletin sent out by the FIA following qualifying on Friday, technical delegate Jo Bauer revealed there had been an infringement with the DRS on Hamilton’s car.
“The uppermost rear wing element adjustable positions were checked on car number 44 for compliance with Article 3.6.3 of the 2021 Formula One Technical Regulations,” the bulletin reads.
“The requirement for the minimum distance was fulfilled. But the requirement for the maximum of 85mm, when the DRS system is deployed and tested in accordance with TD/011-19, [was] not fulfilled.
“I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration.”
Pole man Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W12, arrives in Parc Ferme
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Should Hamilton’s car be found to have incurred a technical breach, the seven-time world champion may be excluded from the qualifying results, leaving him at the back of the grid for the sprint race.
Hamilton is already facing a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race after Mercedes opted to change the engine on his car ahead of the race weekend.
