Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team is positioned to clinch the 2026 Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship at the upcoming Sao Paulo Grand Prix. This follows Kimi Antonelli’s recent securing of the Drivers’ World Championship in Mexico City. The team holds a significant points advantage over its nearest rival, Ferrari.
Antonelli sealed his maiden Drivers’ title at the Mexico City Grand Prix on November 1, 2026, finishing third in the race. At 20 years and 68 days old, he became the youngest F1 World Champion in history, surpassing Sebastian Vettel’s previous record.
The Italian driver’s championship marks the first for an Italian since Alberto Ascari in 1953. Antonelli has achieved nine Grand Prix victories in his second Formula 1 season. He maintained control of the Drivers’ title race since Round 3 in Japan.
Mercedes’ 2026 season has been characterized by strong performance, particularly early in the year. The team’s W17 car, featuring a robust chassis and power unit combination, secured seven wins from the first eight races.
The team capitalized on the significant technical regulation changes introduced for the 2026 season. These regulations mandated smaller, lighter cars, with a minimum weight reduced by 30kg to 768kg.
The new rules also brought a redesigned power unit concept, emphasizing increased electrical power. The MGU-K output was substantially raised from 120kW to 350kW, contributing to a 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power.
Active aerodynamics, including adjustable front and rear wings, were introduced to manage downforce and drag. A new MGUK Manual Override Mode was also implemented to enhance overtaking opportunities.
Heading into the Sao Paulo Grand Prix at Autodromo Interlagos on November 8, 2026, Mercedes leads Ferrari by 126 points. Mercedes has accumulated 630 points, while Ferrari stands at 504.
To secure the Constructors’ Championship in Brazil, Mercedes must outscore Ferrari by at least three points. A maximum of 129 points remain available across the final three rounds after Sao Paulo.
If Mercedes achieves a 129-point lead after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, they will win the title on countback due to their superior number of race victories. Mercedes currently has 12 wins, compared to Ferrari’s two.
Ferrari, with their SF-26 car, started the season with three podium finishes in the opening three races. Lewis Hamilton, who joined Ferrari at the start of 2025, secured his first Grand Prix podium with the team in Shanghai.
However, Ferrari has faced challenges, including a reported lack of straight-line speed compared to Mercedes’ power unit. The team has also struggled with qualifying performance, often failing to optimize tire operating windows.
Ferrari has not achieved a podium finish since the Belgian Grand Prix in July. Charles Leclerc, a Ferrari driver, believes the team can still secure another victory before the season concludes.
Red Bull Racing, with Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, initially struggled with their RB22 car in the 2026 season. A mid-season revival, spurred by significant upgrades introduced at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, improved their performance.
Verstappen secured victories at Sepang and Singapore following these developments. Red Bull currently sits fourth in the Constructors’ standings with 332 points.
The Sao Paulo Grand Prix presents Mercedes with its first opportunity to complete a championship double. Should they not meet the required points margin, the Constructors’ title contest will extend to the next event in Qatar.
