Sainz confirmed P3 after DRS use scrutiny

Carlos Sainz has been confirmed in third place at the Brazilian Grand Prix following scrutiny over his use of DRS, marking McLaren's first podium in over five years.

Sainz rose to fourth place amid the late-race drama at Interlagos, but was provisionally promoted into P3 after Lewis Hamilton was hit with a five-second time penalty for contact with Alexander Albon on the penultimate lap.

This dropped Hamilton from P3 to P7, promoting Sainz onto the podium, but the Spaniard's result remained provisional as the FIA looked into a number of possible DRS usages through the double waved yellow flags called late in the race.

However, McLaren has now confirmed that Sainz's podium is final, marking its first top-three finish since the 2014 Australian Grand Prix.

It is also Sainz's first podium finish in F1, coming in his 101st start.

PODIUM! A bit weird not being there after the race, but still extremely happy. Today's race was just unbelievable. The one stop strategy was difficult but paid off. Congrats to the whole team!#carlossainz #BrazilGP@McLarenF1 @EG00 pic.twitter.com/nUK4GUEdc1

— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) November 17, 2019

YES!@Carlossainz55 pic.twitter.com/CMBnmjtYiV

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) November 17, 2019

Speaking prior to Hamilton's penalty, Sainz said the result was "special" after charging from last place on the grid following an issue in qualifying on Saturday.

"It’s a special day for me, for the team, because we just did everything that we could do, we did it right," Sainz said.

"Everything that was in our hands, we did it very well. It was maximum attack from Lap 1, the moves on [Sergio] Perez, the Alfas, the Haas, everything was just… I made it stick every time I could.

"One of those days as a driver where everything happens and clicks. Just very, very happy."