Mercedes clinches 2026 F1 constructors’ championship amid chaotic Brazilian Grand Prix

Mercedes wrapped up the 2026 Formula 1 constructors’ championship at the Brazilian Grand Prix, the only race of the season in which the team did not finish on the podium. A mixed-up grid and rapidly changing weather created a volatile contest that saw a range of drivers either rise or fall dramatically.

Lando Norris claimed his first victory of the season, describing it as one of his best wins. After losing the lead early, Norris benefited from an earlier tyre change to slicks, allowing him to close the gap to pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli and overtake him when the Italian driver slipped.

Max Verstappen recovered from a 21st-grid start to finish second, noting that the car behaved inconsistently after the switch to slick tyres, which he attributed to an aerodynamic loss.

Isack Hadjar secured a third-place finish for Red Bull, highlighting a decisive pass on Antonelli as a key move.

Liam Lawson finished seventh, reinforcing calls that he deserves a full-time seat for the next season after outperforming his Racing Bulls teammate throughout the weekend.

George Russell recorded his best result of the year in fourth place, acknowledging the fastest race pace on soft tyres but also recalling an embarrassing spin on pit exit.

Kimi Antonelli, despite starting from pole, fell to fifth after a spin and a suspected set-up or tyre-pressure issue, according to team principal Toto Wolff.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton each finished in the points, but the team’s total of six points marked its lowest score of the season.

Rookie Rafael Camara ended his debut race in 20th, two laps down, after multiple track-limit penalties. He said, "We experienced everything in just one race, so it was not easy to stay on track," and acknowledged unexpected mistakes.

Nico Hulkenberg finished tenth after starting fourth, while his teammate Ollie Bearman dropped to 17th following a 20-second pit stop. Bearman remarked, "When you’re stationary for 20 seconds in the pit lane, it’s game over."

Valtteri Bottas was unable to start the race after a cross-threaded wheel nut jammed a wheel on the grid, resulting in a DNS.

The race’s unpredictable conditions and strategic tyre choices reshaped the midfield, with Racing Bulls moving closer to a historic fifth place in the constructors’ standings.