Lando Norris secured victory at the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix, held at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace. Max Verstappen finished second, with his Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar completing the podium in third place.
Mercedes clinched the 2026 Constructors’ Championship at this event, following George Russell and Kimi Antonelli’s fourth and fifth-place finishes.
Hadjar discussed the team order he received during the race, which instructed him to allow Verstappen to pass. He acknowledged the situation was challenging, particularly given his strong early performance.
The Frenchman had been running in second position, maintaining pace with Norris, before the instruction came. Verstappen, who started 21st due to an engine penalty, was making a significant recovery through the field.
Hadjar admitted that his own errors during the race contributed to the circumstances that led to the team order. He stated that making fewer mistakes would have prevented the need to yield his position.
“It was so incredibly difficult, so challenging, especially the switch from the intermediates to the soft tyres and avoiding the pitfalls. Yes, it was incredibly difficult, especially in the pit lane. You saw how difficult it was to drive. And then at the end, more rain came. I am so happy to be third today.”
Verstappen’s progress was hampered by a persistent technical issue with his RB22 car. Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies confirmed a ‘complex’ problem of ‘car performance degradation’ affecting the vehicle throughout sessions and races.
Red Bull Technical Director Pierre Waché further explained this as ‘aero degradation’ or issues related to ‘part degradation, wear or affected by grounding.’ The team anticipates this problem may extend into the 2027 season.
During Friday practice for the Brazilian Grand Prix, Verstappen reported heavy steering and downshift gremlins, leading to an early end to his FP2 session. Red Bull’s Head of Race Strategy, Hannah Schmitz, indicated the team had a clear plan to address these concerns.
Hadjar joined Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season, partnering Verstappen, after an impressive 2025 rookie campaign with Racing Bulls. He secured his maiden F1 podium at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix.
Laurent Mekies, who assumed the role of CEO and Team Principal in July 2025, recently signed a long-term contract extension with Red Bull through the 2031 season.
The 2026 season has seen significant championship outcomes, with Kimi Antonelli having already secured the Drivers’ Championship at the preceding Mexican Grand Prix.
The full results for the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix are as follows:
1. Lando Norris (McLaren)
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
3. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)
4. George Russell (Mercedes)
5. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
6. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
7. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
8. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
9. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
10. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)
