Sao Paulo, Brazil, Novemeber 9, 2026: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team has been crowned 2026 FIA Formula One World Constructors’ Champion after George Russell and Kimi Antonelli finished fourth and fifth respectively at the São Paulo Grand Prix. The title marks Mercedes’ first Constructors’ Championship since 2021 and its ninth overall, taking the German marque level with Williams in third place on the all-time list.

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team has returned to the top of Formula 1, securing the 2026 FIA Formula One World Constructors’ Championship at the São Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil.

George Russell and Kimi Antonelli finished fourth and fifth respectively in a challenging, rain-affected race at Interlagos, scoring enough points to establish an unassailable advantage in the Constructors’ standings with two rounds remaining in the season.

The championship marks a significant milestone for the Silver Arrows, who have endured four challenging seasons since their last Constructors’ title in 2021. It also caps an impressive 2026 campaign in which Mercedes has won 12 races to reclaim the championship.

The latest success takes Mercedes’ tally to nine Constructors’ World Championships, drawing level with Williams and placing the manufacturer third on the all-time list behind Ferrari and McLaren.

Mercedes completes remarkable comeback after four difficult seasons

Mercedes began the São Paulo Grand Prix weekend with the opportunity to secure the Constructors’ Championship, but the race proved considerably more challenging than anticipated.

Both drivers demonstrated strong pace during the early stages on Intermediate tyres as the circuit began drying. However, the team’s advantage diminished following the switch to slick tyres, with Russell and Antonelli experiencing difficulties getting temperature into their tyres.

Russell, who started seventh, suffered a spin at the pit-lane exit after switching to Soft tyres on Lap 16. Antonelli, starting second, also lost valuable time after spinning at Turn 1 on Lap 20.

Despite these setbacks, both drivers recovered their pace and gradually closed the gap to the leading cars. However, another spell of rain forced the field to switch back to Intermediate tyres during the closing stages.

Russell pitted for Intermediates on Lap 61, while Antonelli made his final stop one lap later. Russell emerged ahead of his team-mate in fourth place, with Antonelli following in fifth.

The Mercedes drivers brought their cars home in formation, securing the points required to seal the championship.

Russell encouraged by performance despite difficult race

Russell described the São Paulo Grand Prix as an eventful race, highlighting the team’s strong pace on Soft tyres while acknowledging that his mistake at the pit exit had cost him an opportunity to challenge for a better result.

The British driver admitted that he had taken too much risk while attempting to fight for victory but felt the incident had not significantly affected his final position.

He was nevertheless encouraged by his overall performance and the progress made during the weekend.

Russell also highlighted the significance of Mercedes returning to the top after several difficult seasons.

The driver, who joined Mercedes in 2022, said the championship was a reward for the determination and hard work of the entire organisation, emphasising that success in Formula 1 extends far beyond the two drivers competing on track.

Antonelli celebrates second major achievement of 2026

For Antonelli, the Constructors’ Championship represents another significant achievement in an extraordinary 2026 season.

The Italian, who started the São Paulo Grand Prix from second on the grid, believed victory had been possible after his strong start and competitive pace on Intermediate tyres.

However, he experienced instability at the rear of the car after switching to Soft tyres, particularly through high-speed corners. The resulting spin flat-spotted his tyres and compromised the remainder of his stint.

Antonelli subsequently recovered his pace after receiving a fresh set of tyres but was unable to challenge for the victory.

Despite his disappointment with the race result, the Mercedes driver celebrated the Constructors’ title as a collective achievement involving the team’s personnel at the Brackley and Brixworth factories, Mercedes-Benz, PETRONAS and its other partners.

Antonelli also acknowledged the team’s contribution to his Drivers’ Championship success, describing the opportunity to achieve both championships together as particularly special.

Toto Wolff matches Frank Williams’ record

The 2026 Constructors’ Championship also represents a significant personal milestone for Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff.

It is his ninth Constructors’ Championship as Team Principal, taking him level with the late Frank Williams for the most Constructors’ titles achieved by a Team Principal in Formula 1 history.

Including Antonelli’s Drivers’ Championship this season, a total of 17 Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships have now been won during Wolff’s tenure.

This places him level with former McLaren boss Ron Dennis, who oversaw 10 Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ Championships during his time as Team Principal.

Wolff described the latest success as a proud moment for everyone associated with Mercedes, emphasising the contribution of employees across its factories, engineering departments, simulator operations and race team.

He particularly praised the determination and collaborative approach of the personnel at Brackley and Brixworth, who worked towards the championship throughout the season.

PETRONAS and Mercedes partners share championship success

Wolff also acknowledged the contribution of Mercedes’ commercial and technical partners, particularly PETRONAS, which has worked alongside the team for more than a decade.

The partnership plays an important role in the development of race fuels, lubricants and advanced sustainable fuel technologies, supporting Mercedes’ performance on track and its wider motorsport and mobility ambitions.

Mercedes-AMG, the wider Mercedes-Benz organisation and INEOS were also recognised for their continued support.

Wolff emphasised that the Constructors’ Championship belongs to every individual involved in the organisation, from those working at the factories to the personnel supporting the team at race weekends.

While celebrating the achievement, he also acknowledged that Mercedes had not delivered its strongest performance in Brazil and that the team would need to understand and address its difficulties during tyre transitions.

With two races remaining in the 2026 Formula 1 season, the Silver Arrows will now look to finish the campaign strongly after reclaiming the Constructors’ crown.