Mercedes Clinch 2026 F1 Constructors' Title at Interlagos, Wolff Calls It a Remarkable Comeback

Mercedes officially sealed the 2026 Formula 1 constructors' championship at the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, Sunday (9/11/2026). The result confirms the Silver Arrows' return to the top of the teams' standings after last winning in 2021, and marks the Brackley-based team's resurgence in the new regulatory era.

In a dramatic race, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli finished fourth and fifth. That was enough to put Mercedes beyond reach of Ferrari, whose drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, could only manage seventh and ninth. Mercedes had arrived in São Paulo with a 126-point lead over Ferrari and needed a margin of at least 129 points to secure the title early.

The race itself was full of surprises. Antonelli, who started from second, immediately overtook polesitter Lando Norris and built a five-second lead over the first seven laps. However, the young Italian then spun at Turn 1 on lap 20, opening the way for Norris to reclaim the lead. Heavy rain that hit the track late in the race made things even harder for the drivers, but Russell and Antonelli were able to keep their rhythm to finish in the big points.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed his gratitude over the team radio after the chequered flag. "We've secured the title. That's the most important thing. Thank you for holding on!" he told Russell. The driver replied, "Great job everyone. It's really nice to see what we've achieved this year."

The title completes a Mercedes double this season. A week earlier, Antonelli confirmed himself as the youngest drivers' world champion in F1 history after winning the Mexican Grand Prix. The achievement marks a regeneration within the team, with Russell and Antonelli forming a solid pairing throughout the season.

In an interview with former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe, Wolff said a strong start to the season was the main foundation for this success. "The start of the season was very strong and that's what carried us over the finish line. The last few races have been challenging, and today was difficult, but overall I'm very proud of this organisation," Wolff said. He added that not many teams could bounce back from the slump Mercedes experienced in recent years. "It shows the hard work and the great people inside the team," he said.

For the Indonesian public, Mercedes' win can serve as a reflection of how consistency and solid team development can restore glory after a difficult period. Although F1 has no Indonesian team, enthusiasm among fans in the country for this prestigious race continues to grow, especially with increasingly easy access to broadcasts and digital content.

Going forward, the challenge for Mercedes is to maintain dominance amid increasingly tight competition. The newly implemented 2026 technical regulations have every team racing to adapt. Can Mercedes keep their momentum and claim a 10th title in 2027, or will Ferrari and other teams rise? Either way, the balance of power in F1 has shifted again, and Interlagos has witnessed the resurgence of the Silver Arrows.