Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team has secured the 2026 Constructors’ World Championship, marking their ninth title in the sport’s history. The championship was clinched at the São Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday, November 8, 2026, following George Russell’s fourth-place finish and Kimi Antonelli’s fifth-place result at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace.
This achievement ends a five-year drought for the Silver Arrows, with their last Constructors’ triumph recorded in 2021. The team established an unassailable points advantage over Ferrari with three races remaining in the 2026 season.
The São Paulo Grand Prix itself saw Lando Norris claim victory for McLaren, his third win of the season. Max Verstappen, starting from 21st on the grid, recovered to finish second for Red Bull, with teammate Isack Hadjar completing the podium in third.
Mercedes entered the São Paulo event needing to outscore Ferrari by at least three points to seal the title. Russell and Antonelli’s combined 22 points from the race provided a 14-point swing over Ferrari, who finished with Charles Leclerc in eighth and Lewis Hamilton in ninth after post-race penalties.
Team Principal Toto Wolff expressed satisfaction with the championship win, particularly after the team’s struggles in recent seasons. Wolff highlighted the strong start to the 2026 season as a critical factor in their success.
“It was a very strong beginning of the season and that kind of got us over the line,” Wolff stated. “These last few races have been challenging at times, today it was difficult, but overall I’m so proud for the organisation.”
The 2026 season has been a landmark year for Mercedes, also seeing Kimi Antonelli secure the Drivers’ World Championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Antonelli became the youngest F1 champion in history at 20 years old. He currently leads the drivers’ standings with 390 points.
During the São Paulo Grand Prix, both Mercedes drivers encountered challenges. Antonelli spun twice, once before the race start and again at Turn 1 while leading. Russell also experienced a spin at the pit exit. Both drivers reported difficulties with tyre warm-up in the mixed conditions. Antonelli later received a five-second post-race penalty for an unsafe pit release, which did not alter his fifth-place finish.
Mercedes’ ninth Constructors’ Championship places them level with Williams for third on Formula 1’s all-time list. Ferrari holds the record with 16 titles, followed by McLaren with 10.
For Toto Wolff, this marks his ninth Constructors’ Championship as Team Principal, equalling the record held by Sir Frank Williams. Wolff has now overseen a total of 17 World Championships, combining Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles, matching Ron Dennis’ tally during his tenure at McLaren.
The 2026 season has seen Mercedes accumulate 12 Grand Prix victories. The W17 car has been identified as a strong package under the new regulations, despite some reported reliability issues and setbacks for both drivers throughout the year.
Following the São Paulo Grand Prix, Mercedes holds 652 points in the Constructors’ Championship, with Ferrari in second place on 512 points. Red Bull sits third with 415 points, and McLaren is fourth with 398 points.
