Lewis Hamilton is at risk of being excluded from Friday's qualifying session following a potential technical infringement of his Mercedes car's DRS.
The Briton set the pace in the qualifying session that will define the grid order for Saturday's sprint race.
However, all could be lost over a DRS technical infringement as Mercedes has been summoned to the FIA stewards, with an investigation ongoing on the W12's rear wing and DRS element.
"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," stated a bulletin written up by FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer.
"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, were not fulfilled.
"I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration."
If a technical infringement by Mercedes is confirmed, Hamilton could be excluded from the qualifying session's results which would equate to a back row start for the Briton in Saturday's sprint race.
Hamilton is already set for a five-place grid drop for race day, regardless of where he finishes tomorrow's sprint race.
UPDATE:
The FIA stewards in Sao Paulo will rule on Mercedes' DRS technical infringement and on whether Lewis Hamilton is excluded or not from qualifying on Saturday morning.
Max Verstappen has also been summoned to the stewards for allegedly touching Hamilton's car in Parc Fermé.
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