Mercedes is positioned to clinch the 2026 Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship at this weekend’s São Paulo Grand Prix. This follows Andrea Kimi Antonelli securing the Drivers’ title in Mexico last weekend. The team holds a significant points advantage over its closest rival, Ferrari.
Antonelli, at 20 years and 68 days old, became the youngest F1 World Champion in history. He sealed the Drivers’ Championship by finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The Italian driver has recorded nine Grand Prix victories this season.
Mercedes currently leads the Constructors’ standings with 630 points. Ferrari is in second place with 504 points, a deficit of 126 points. Red Bull and McLaren are no longer mathematically in contention for the Constructors’ title.
To secure their ninth Constructors’ World Championship in Brazil, Mercedes must outscore Ferrari by at least three points. This would extend their lead to 129 points. A 1-2, 1-3, or 1-4 finish for Mercedes would guarantee the title.
Should Mercedes and Ferrari finish the season level on points, Mercedes would still claim the title. This is due to their superior number of Grand Prix victories this season. Mercedes has achieved 12 wins, while Ferrari has two.
Ferrari remains the only team capable of delaying Mercedes’ championship celebrations. The Scuderia’s performance has shown improved chassis capabilities, particularly in cornering sections. However, the team has faced a power unit deficit on straights.
The Autódromo José Carlos Pace, known as Interlagos, is a circuit recognized for its elevation changes and unpredictable weather. It offers multiple overtaking opportunities throughout its counter-clockwise layout. The circuit’s contract to host the São Paulo Grand Prix was extended until 2035.
Four rounds remain in the 2026 F1 season, including the São Paulo Grand Prix. A maximum of 172 points are still available across these events. Following Brazil, the calendar includes races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
Concerns regarding the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix due to Middle East tensions have been addressed. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed that these races are expected to proceed as scheduled. Earlier in the season, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were cancelled.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff emphasized the significance of the Constructors’ Championship. He stated that the teams’ title reflects the performance of the entire operation. This includes efforts both at the track and at the factories in Brackley and Brixworth.
We came into this season wanting to fight for both championships and there is still a job left to finish. The teams’ title is about the performance of the entire operation, both at the track and back in Brackley and Brixworth, and securing it would mean a great deal to all of us. Nothing is won yet, though.
Mercedes is in a commanding position to secure their ninth Constructors’ World Championship. The São Paulo Grand Prix presents the first opportunity to finalize this achievement.
