Kimi Antonelli Claims Constructors Title for Mercedes at Interlagos
Kimi Antonelli secured the Formula 1 constructors’ championship for Mercedes at the São Paulo Grand Prix despite suffering a spin on lap 20 while leading the race, uol.com.br reported.
The Italian driver reported over team radio that his car would not turn left before he lost the rear end and dropped down the order at Interlagos. Teammate George Russell also encountered handling difficulties after pitting for intermediate tires, ultimately finishing fourth while Antonelli took fifth place.
Mercedes Drivers Struggle with Tyre Strategy and Pace
Mercedes drivers struggled for pace as changing weather conditions hit the circuit on race day. Russell explained that being among the first to switch to intermediate tires on a dry track may have damaged their rubber and triggered an adverse temperature spiral, uol.com.br reported.
We really don’t know what happened,
Russell said, according to uol.com.br. I was quite excited when the rain was coming, but then me and Kimi had absolutely no pace.
Antonelli expressed disappointment over missing out on a victory in Brazil in front of supporters of his idol Ayrton Senna. I wanted to win here so badly, in Brazil, in front of this incredible crowd,
Antonelli said, as reported by uol.com.br.
Senna’s Tatuí Farm Legacy
Ahead of the race weekend, Antonelli visited the Fazenda Dois Lagos in Tatuí, a 193.6-hectare property acquired by Ayrton Senna in the late 1980s, CNN Brasil reported. The retreat features a 970-meter private kart track built in December 1991 and houses a Lotus 98T car driven by the three-time world champion during the 1986 season.
Former city councilman Aroldo Rosa, a personal friend of Senna, recalled how the Brazilian driver spent his time away from the Formula 1 calendar resting, boating, and racing karts with guests at the interior São Paulo estate, g1.globo.com reported.
Championship Standing After Interlagos
The combined points from Russell’s fourth-place finish and Antonelli’s fifth place officially clinched the 2026 constructors’ title for Mercedes with three rounds remaining in the season, uol.com.br reported. Ferrari remains second in the standings and can no longer catch the German manufacturer.
Antonelli secured the drivers’ championship earlier in the season at the Mexican Grand Prix, making him the youngest title holder in Formula 1 history at 20 years old, uol.com.br reported.
Questions About Kimi Antonelli's Title and Mercedes' Performance
When did Kimi Antonelli win the drivers’ championship?
Kimi Antonelli secured the drivers’ title at the Mexican Grand Prix prior to the race in Brazil, according to uol.com.br. At 20 years old, he became the youngest world champion in the history of Formula 1.
What caused the performance drop for Mercedes at Interlagos?
George Russell stated that switching to intermediate tires while the track was still dry damaged their tyres and pushed temperatures too high, uol.com.br reported. Both Mercedes cars lacked grip and pace once the rain arrived.
What historical vehicle is kept at the Fazenda Dois Lagos?
The property houses a black-and-gold Lotus 98T driven by Ayrton Senna during the 1986 Formula 1 season, CNN Brasil reported.
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