Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion, joined Mercedes for their Constructors’ Championship celebration this week. The Italian driver, who secured his maiden title at the Mexican Grand Prix, was present as Mercedes marked their constructors’ success.
Antonelli, aged 20, became the youngest F1 world champion in history. His victory in Mexico saw him surpass Sebastian Vettel’s previous record.
During the Mercedes team festivities, Antonelli was noted for having his hair dyed in the colours of the Italian flag. This was a lighthearted moment during the celebrations.
Mercedes clinched the 2026 Constructors’ Championship at the Brazilian Grand Prix. This marks their ninth team title under Team Principal Toto Wolff.
Wolff has now equalled Frank Williams’ record for the most Constructors’ Championships as a team principal. He acknowledged the team’s strong start to the season as crucial for their success.
“It was a very strong beginning of the season. That helped us get over the line, because the last races were difficult,” Wolff stated. “Compliments to the team because it had been a while. We had to fight for years to get back.”
The São Paulo Grand Prix weekend, the 20th race of the season, is currently underway. Several drivers face grid penalties for power unit component changes.
Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Sergio Pérez will start from the back of the grid after full power unit replacements. Charles Leclerc received a ten-place grid penalty for a new internal combustion engine.
George Russell also incurred a five-place grid penalty due to a power unit component change. Russell expressed frustration over recurring issues this season.
Lewis Hamilton visited the Rafah border crossing in Egypt on Tuesday, November 10. He met with aid workers providing assistance to the Gaza Strip.
Oscar Piastri and his managers, Mark and Ann Webber, announced the end of their seven-year partnership. The split occurred after the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Piastri, in his fourth season with McLaren, has secured nine Grand Prix victories with the British team. He thanked the Webbers for their support.
Esteban Ocon has definitively parted ways with Haas following a disagreement with Team Principal Ayao Komatsu after the Mexican Grand Prix. Rafael Câmara will replace Ocon for the remaining races of the 2026 season, starting in Brazil.
Câmara, who is also competing for the Formula 2 title, was already confirmed for a Haas seat in 2027. His early F1 debut may impact his F2 championship bid.
Lando Norris, who was dethroned as world champion by Antonelli, commented on the Italian’s achievement. Norris noted Antonelli’s title in his second F1 year at 20 years old as impressive.
Norris also had an incident during his post-race celebration at Interlagos. His tradition of hitting the champagne bottle on the ground resulted in it breaking, though he avoided injury.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc held a meeting with Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur at the São Paulo Grand Prix. This addressed tensions following their collision at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Both drivers confirmed the air had been cleared and mutual respect remained. Hamilton had previously expressed frustration over the incident.
The São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos has secured a five-year contract extension. This ensures the race remains on the Formula 1 calendar until at least 2035.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali highlighted Brazil’s significant role in Formula 1 history and the passion of its fans. Brazil has produced 33 F1 drivers.
The weather forecast for the São Paulo Grand Prix weekend indicates a high probability of rain. Saturday’s qualifying is expected to see heavy showers and thunderstorms with temperatures around 29 degrees Celsius.
Sunday’s race is also likely to be wet with lighter, prolonged rain and significantly cooler temperatures, not exceeding 17 degrees Celsius. Wet tyres are anticipated to be necessary.
Alan Permane has extended his contract as Team Principal of Racing Bulls until the end of 2031. Permane has over thirty years of experience in Formula 1.
Uncertainty persists regarding the final races of the 2026 season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi due to Middle East tensions. Imola is being considered as a potential replacement venue.
Toto Wolff stated that Formula 1 would adhere to international guidelines and local government feedback regarding these events. He dismissed the idea of driver boycotts.
Dutch footballer Memphis Depay, currently playing for Corinthians in Brazil, visited the Red Bull Racing garage during the São Paulo Grand Prix weekend.
