Lewis Hamilton forced to retire from Sao Paulo GP following lap one collision and penalty

The seven-time world champion was given a five-second time penalty for causing a collision with Franco Colapinto on the opening lap.

Immediately, the stewards confirmed there would be no further action for Hamilton's collision with Sainz.

Despite the early pit stop and subsequent time penalty, Hamilton continued until lap 40 before retiring the car.

The Ferrari driver dropped five places off the start despite having the soft tyres.

Before entering the pits, Hamilton was heard saying on the radio: "Mate, I'm going to crash out here. I'll keep trying. The car is crazy unstable."

Teammate Charles Leclerc also pulled out in the early stages of the race as his suspension was completely broken after a three-way collision with Oscar Piastri and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

While racing, Hamilton was near the back of the pack as he continued to battle with his damaged Ferrari.

The veteran has struggled all weekend at Interlagos.

After a disappointing qualifying session, the Briton said: "I'm not expecting anything to be honest, but we'll see what happens, it's another write-off weekend I guess."

He added that he was "not great" mentally. "I'll just do what I can tomorrow."

The Briton was left raging with the stewards after receiving another time penalty and fumed on his team radio: "These guys are a joke. A complete joke."

Meanwhile, Lando Norris edged closer to being crowned champion of the world as he won the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, and Oscar Piastri finished only fifth after being hit with a 10-second penalty.

A dominant Norris crossed the line in Interlagos 10.3 seconds clear of runner-up Kimi Antonelli, with Max Verstappen third following a remarkable drive by the Red Bull man after he started last but one.

Norris now leads Piastri by 24 points in the championship standings, while Verstappen is 49 points adrift, with only 83 points to play for across the concluding three rounds.

George Russell held off Piastri to take fourth.

And when asked how he has found such form, Norris replied: "Just ignore everyone that talks crap about you and focus on yourself.”

He continued: "There are always people out there who try to bring you down a bit. You are on the big stage and there people talk, say things, trying to influence others to have effects.

"And even the cheers and the not-cheers. You hear it. It’s not the nicest thing. But it is something I have evolved over the last few months to deal with.

"I care a lot about people’s perspectives, and how I am portrayed and things in the media, and I probably cared too much at the beginning of the year. It was affecting me in not the best ways. I have learned to deal with those things better.

"Not by not caring, because I always want to give a good impression and not be rude. I will always try to make my point and say what I believe in and be true to myself and have confidence in myself. It’s more keeping my head down and concentrating on myself."