How Mercedes Can Take the F1 Constructors’ Title at the Sao Paolo GP
After Kimi Antonelli’s amazing title win in Mexico, it’s now time for his Mercedes team to go for the constructors’ championship too.
Mercedes has built a car that’s been the best on the track this season, and they have a big lead in the standings.
Here’s what Mercedes needs to do to secure the trophy at this weekend’s Sao Paulo GP in Brazil.
Kimi Antonelli made history by becoming the youngest F1 world champion at just 20 years and 68 days old, beating Sebastian Vettel’s 2010 record by more than three years.
“I wouldn’t be here without Mercedes or my family,” Antonelli said after his win. “I’m speechless and so grateful. This is a day I’ll never forget.”
While Kimi has been shining, his teammate George Russell has had a tougher time this year, finding it hard to get comfortable with the 2026 W17 car. He’s currently fourth in the driver standings.
Even so, with the points both drivers have earned, Mercedes is close to clinching the constructors’ title this weekend.
Mercedes leads Ferrari by 126 points in the Constructors’ Championship — 630 to 504.
With 129 points still up for grabs in the last three races after Brazil, Mercedes only needs to outscore Ferrari by three points at Interlagos to win the title.
If Mercedes does better than Ferrari in Brazil but then scores no points in the last three races, and Ferrari finishes 1-2 in each, they’d tie on points. But since Mercedes has won 12 races compared to Ferrari’s 2, Mercedes would still take the title on count-back.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said, “Our focus is already on São Paulo. We came into this season wanting to fight for both championships and there’s still work to do. The teams’ title is about everyone’s effort, both at the track and back at base. Winning it would mean a lot to all of us. But nothing is decided yet. Interlagos is always challenging, and we have to be sharp from the start to give ourselves the best chance to finish strong this season.”
Wolff also joked that the constructors’ title is important because, “It pays the bonuses — who’s going to pay the mortgage, the kitchen, the holiday, or the kids’ school? The drivers know this too.”
Ferrari’s chances of winning the title are now small. The team is also dealing with tension between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, which has affected their performance.
Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur said, “We’re glad to be back racing less than a week after Mexico, where we showed we’re improving. Interlagos is a tough track with hills and lots of different corners, and unpredictable weather can make it even harder. We’ll need to focus and build our speed session by session to make the most of our chances.”
Here’s how the Constructors’ standings look after the Mexico City GP:
[Standings not included here]