Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes Target Championship Double at Sao Paulo Grand Prix

Posted : 05 November 2026

Fresh from celebrating his maiden Formula One world championship, Kimi Antonelli heads to Brazil with another major achievement in sight as Mercedes aim to secure the constructors’ title at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The newly crowned champion will be targeting another victory at Interlagos, while the team looks to end Ferrari’s challenge and complete a championship double.

Mercedes currently hold a 126-point advantage over Ferrari, with four rounds remaining in the season. They need to outscore their closest rivals by at least three points in Brazil to secure the championship. A successful campaign would give Mercedes their first constructors’ title since 2021 and complete a return to the top of both championship standings.

Antonelli, who became Formula One’s youngest world champion at 20, has enjoyed an outstanding campaign, recording nine race victories so far. However, his team-mate George Russell will also be eager to finish the season strongly after experiencing several setbacks, including mechanical problems and disappointing results. Russell has not won in his last four races and is hoping to repeat his 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix triumph.

Mercedes deputy technical director Simone Resta acknowledged that the team needed to address the problems that had affected Russell. He admitted that the British driver had not always received the support and reliability required to compete for stronger results, adding that Mercedes would focus on maximising its points in the remaining races.

The Silver Arrows will face considerable competition from Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who has won three of the last four races. The four-time world champion arrives in Brazil in strong form and will be looking to maintain his momentum. His team-mate Isack Hadjar could also feature in the battle, while Ferrari will be determined to prevent Mercedes from celebrating another title.

Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton will have an additional reason to enjoy the occasion as he prepares for his 400th Formula One Grand Prix start. The seven-time world champion has won three times at Interlagos and remains a popular figure among Brazilian supporters. His team-mate Charles Leclerc will miss the first practice session, with Ferrari reserve driver Dino Beganovic taking his place. Leclerc recently welcomed his first child with his wife, Alexandra Saint Mleux.

McLaren's Lando Norris, the defending Brazilian Grand Prix winner, will also be hoping to challenge for victory. The Briton has secured pole position at Interlagos in each of the previous two seasons, making him another contender to watch as the teams prepare for the weekend.

There will also be a special moment for Brazilian motorsport fans as Rafael Camara makes his Formula One debut for Haas at his home race. The 21-year-old will replace Esteban Ocon for the Sao Paulo weekend after Haas confirmed his promotion, giving the young Brazilian an opportunity to compete in front of his home supporters.

With Mercedes closing in on the constructors’ championship, Ferrari fighting to keep the contest alive and Verstappen chasing another victory, the Sao Paulo Grand Prix promises an intriguing weekend at the iconic Interlagos circuit.

Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes Target Championship Double at Sao Paulo Grand Prix

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