After a long wait, Lewis Hamilton will start at the back of the grid for this evening’s F1 Sprint following disqualification from the qualifying results  

The Brit had dominated qualifying after taking a new ICE for this weekend, topping all three segments and took pole from title rival Max Verstappen by 0.438s.  

Following qualifying, however, Mercedes and Hamilton ended up in hot water.  

Mercedes visited the stewards at 19:15 local time yesterday after technical delegate Jo Bauer said there had been an infringement with the DRS on the car of the seven-time World Champion. 

“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 statement said. 

“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.” 

A couple of hours before sprint qualifying, it was confirmed that Hamilton had been disqualified from qualifying for the fault on the rear wing. 

"The Competitor noted that this is not a systemic breach, and is indeed unique. The Stewards fundamentally accept the Competitor’s explanation that the cause of the failed test was something “gone wrong” rather than a deliberate action," the stewards said in a lengthy statement.  

''Finally, therefore, the Stewards decide that car 44 failed the test indicated in TD/011-19 and is therefore in breach of Art 3.6.3 of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations. The Stewards agree with the Competitor that this is something gone wrong, rather than an intentional act or design but did not find there to be mitigating circumstances.  

''Further, Art 1.3.3 of the International Sporting Code states that “it shall be no defence to claim that no performance advantage was obtained”. Therefore, the Stewards order the usual penalty for technical non-compliance of Disqualification from the qualifying session.''

Verstappen was also called to the stewards after a video on social media appeared to show the World Championship touching the rear wing of the W12 just after qualifying finished. He escaped with a 50,000 euro fine and will be P1 on the grid for the F1 Sprint today.

"It is clear to the Stewards that it has become a habit of the drivers to touch cars after qualifying and the races. This was also the explanation of VER, that it was simply a habit to touch this area of the car which has been a point of speculation in recent races," said the stewards in a statement. 

"This general tendency has been seen as mostly harmless and so has not been uniformly policed. Nevertheless, it is a breach of the parc fermé regulation and has significant potential to cause harm." 

"Considering the fact that no direct harm was caused in this case, and that no earlier precedent of penalties for this exists – but that it is a breach of the regulation and has potential for serious consequences, the Stewards determine to take action and order a fine of €50000"