Source: Official Team Post via X
Mercedes Celebrates Ninth Constructors' Title After Sao Paulo Triumph
Mercedes clinched their ninth Constructors' Championship at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, marking their first title since 2021. The victory came under the new 2026 regulations, showcasing their engineering prowess.
Mercedes returned to the pinnacle of Formula 1 by securing their ninth Constructors' Championship at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. This victory marks their first championship win since 2021, ending a five-year drought. The team needed only a modest points advantage over Ferrari in Brazil, which they comfortably achieved with George Russell finishing fourth and Kimi Antonelli, the newly crowned World Champion, in fifth place.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes' Team Principal, expressed his pride in the team's achievement, highlighting the hard work and dedication that enabled their return to dominance. "It's fantastic to be among such great people," Wolff stated, reflecting on the team's journey back to the top.
The 2026 season presented a fresh challenge with significant changes in aerodynamics and power units. Mercedes' Trackside Engineering Director, Andrew Shovlin, acknowledged the unprecedented effort required to master the new regulations. "We've never put so much effort into a new set of regulations," Shovlin noted, emphasizing the relentless work that went into the championship win.
Rival teams were quick to extend their congratulations. McLaren, who had held the title the previous year, acknowledged Mercedes' impressive season. McLaren's CEO Zak Brown and Team Principal Andrea Stella both praised the Silver Arrows for their accomplishment. "To win in this competitive environment reflects great work," Stella commented.
Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, who played a key role in Mercedes' past successes, congratulated his former team on social media, expressing his happiness for their well-deserved victory.
Laurent Mekies from Red Bull also acknowledged Mercedes' efforts, particularly their strategic decision to focus on the 2026 regulations early on. "They started the season with more than a second advantage on us," Mekies admitted, admiring their ability to convert early preparation into performance.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali offered his congratulations, recognizing the collective effort behind Mercedes' success. He highlighted the team's unity and determination, calling their achievement a significant moment in the sport's history.
This championship win is particularly special as it coincides with Kimi Antonelli's milestone of becoming the youngest Drivers' World Champion. Domenicali noted that this dual success makes 2026 unforgettable for both Mercedes and Formula 1.
In reaching their ninth Constructors' title, Toto Wolff joins the ranks of Sir Frank Williams, a testament to his leadership and vision. "Mercedes have returned to the very top," Domenicali concluded, celebrating the team's remarkable chapter in Formula 1's storied history.