What happened: Lewis Hamilton confirmed he declined Ferrari's instruction to pit as rain hit the closing laps of the São Paulo Grand Prix. Insufficient weather and track information from the pit wall prompted his decision to stay out on slick tires. Hamilton finished ninth in São Paulo, one position behind teammate Charles Leclerc.

Why it matters: The strategic breakdown capped an uphill weekend for Ferrari after both drivers served 10-place grid penalties for exceeding engine limits. With Lando Norris winning the race and Kimi Antonelli clinching the drivers' championship, Ferrari missed a key chance to cut into Mercedes' 126-point constructors' lead.

What to watch: Ferrari enters the final stretch of the 2026 season looking to tighten pit communication and defend its position in the constructors' standings.