Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team celebrated its 2026 Constructors’ and Drivers’ World Championship double on Wednesday. Employees at the Brackley and Brixworth facilities marked the team’s ninth Constructors’ World Championship. This also recognised Kimi Antonelli’s maiden Drivers’ title.
Team Principal Toto Wolff joined newly crowned World Champion Antonelli and teammate George Russell for celebrations. The event at the team’s headquarters acknowledged the contribution of thousands of employees. This marks Mercedes’ first championship double since 2020.
The celebrations followed a season where Mercedes claimed 12 Grand Prix victories. The team capitalised on the introduction of new chassis and power unit regulations. This ended a five-year wait for another Constructors’ Championship.
The 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations introduced significant changes. These aimed at promoting closer racing and sustainability. Power units were simplified, with a greater emphasis on electrical power.
The new power units feature a 50% internal combustion and 50% electrical split. They also utilise 100% sustainable fuels. Chassis designs were revised to be smaller and lighter, reducing drag and improving aerodynamic efficiency.
Mercedes dominated Formula 1 between 2014 and 2021, securing eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships. The team then struggled to adapt to the technical regulations introduced in 2022.
Their ninth Constructors’ title places Mercedes level with Williams on the all-time Constructors’ Championship list. Wolff now joins the late Sir Frank Williams as the most successful team principal in terms of Constructors’ titles.
Wolff also draws level with former McLaren boss Ron Dennis. Both have accumulated 17 combined Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships under their leadership.
Antonelli, 20, secured the Drivers’ Championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix on November 1. He became the youngest World Champion in Formula 1 history.
The Italian joined Mercedes’ junior programme as a child. He progressed through karting and junior categories. Antonelli dominated in Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine in 2023.
He then secured the Formula 3 title in 2024. Antonelli made his Formula 1 debut with the works team in 2025. He is now the first graduate of its development programme to win the World Championship for Mercedes.
“Standing here as World Champion is something I am still trying to understand. I joined Mercedes when I was very young and so many people have helped me at every stage of the journey.”
Wolff praised Antonelli’s performances under pressure. He also acknowledged Russell’s contribution to the Constructors’ Championship. Russell contributed to Mercedes’ 12 victories this season.
Russell stated the championship reflected the organisation’s determination. The team recovered from its difficult period following the 2022 regulation changes.
Mercedes also recognised the contribution of its High Performance Powertrains operation at Brixworth. This facility developed the power unit for the new 2026 regulations.
Hywel Thomas, managing director of Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, stated the championship was the culmination of several years of technical development. This involved cooperation between the engine and chassis operations.
Mercedes secured the Constructors’ Championship at the São Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday. Russell finished fourth and Antonelli fifth in that race. This provided sufficient points to seal the title with two rounds remaining.
With both championships decided, Mercedes will conclude their successful campaign at the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. The team aims to add to their 12 victories before focusing on defending both titles in 2027.
