Mercedes Triumphs in 2026 Formula 1 Championship
Mercedes Secures 2026 Constructors' Championship
At the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Mercedes achieved a remarkable feat by winning the 2026 Formula 1 constructors' championship. This victory marks their first constructors' title since 2021, following a season of dominance under new engine and aerodynamic regulations. George Russell finished in fourth place, while Kimi Antonelli, who had already clinched the drivers' championship the previous week in Mexico City, took fifth at Interlagos.
Race Highlights and Key Performances
In a thrilling race, McLaren's Lando Norris secured his second consecutive victory at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, finishing 14.6 seconds ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who made an impressive recovery from starting in 21st position. Isack Hadjar, Verstappen's teammate, rounded out the podium.
Antonelli initially took the lead by overtaking Norris at Turn 1 but faced challenges after switching to dry tires, leading to a spin at Turn 1 that cost him valuable positions. Russell's chances for a podium were also hindered when he spun at the pit lane exit during his first stop, dropping to eighth before recovering to finish fourth.
Lewis Hamilton, starting from 20th due to engine issues in qualifying, made a strong start but ultimately finished ninth after a challenging race that included a spin in wet conditions. Antonelli received a five-second penalty for an unsafe pit release, but his position remained unchanged. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc also dropped to eighth after incurring a similar penalty for colliding with Liam Lawson late in the race.
Mercedes' Return to Form
Entering the 2026 season, Mercedes was seen as a favorite due to new technical regulations that balanced conventional combustion power with electrical energy. The team lived up to expectations by winning the first six races and achieving victories in 12 out of 20 races held so far.
This success signifies Mercedes' return to form after a challenging period from 2022 to 2025, where they secured only a few race wins under the previous ground-effect regulations. Their latest triumph echoes their dominance at the start of the V6 turbo-hybrid era in 2014, establishing them as a leading force in the championship. With three races left in the season, Mercedes has successfully adapted to the latest technical regulations, securing both championship titles.