Source: Official Team Post via X
Mercedes Uncovers Brazilian GP Tire Temperature Troubles
Mercedes has shed light on the challenges they faced during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where tire temperature issues plagued both drivers. Despite these hurdles, the team clinched the Constructors’ Championship.
Mercedes faced a challenging race at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, yet managed to clinch the Constructors’ Championship. Both drivers struggled with balance issues, preventing them from reaching the podium for the first time in 2026. Technical director James Allison explained the problem was largely due to tire temperature woes.
Kimi Antonelli was in the lead as the track dried at Interlagos, but a loss of control at Turn 1 on Lap 20 saw him spinning out. His teammate George Russell had already spun earlier while exiting the pit lane on slick tires. Antonelli suspected a suspension issue, but the problem stemmed from tire temperatures that never quite recovered, causing him to fall behind Red Bull's charge and eventually Lando Norris.
Allison noted that Antonelli wasn't alone in his struggles. Even Max Verstappen, who impressively climbed from 21st to second, complained about his car's sudden instability. "Many drivers were experiencing similar issues," Allison shared on the Mercedes’ Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show. "Switching from intermediates to slicks with standing water still present led to significant temperature drops."
Drivers were left battling to regain tire temperature, and flat-spots didn't help. Antonelli's spin caused his tires to flat-spot, making it difficult to regain pace. Despite this, once stabilized, he matched Norris’ pace, though not Russell’s, whose tires remained undamaged.
Later in the race, both Antonelli and Russell reported their cars behaving oddly as rain returned. Russell explained that their decision to pit earlier for intermediates possibly led to overheating the rear tires, as they pushed hard when the track wasn't quite ready for the grooved rubber.
Allison confirmed that eagerness with the throttle during the second stint on intermediates led to damaging the rear tires. "The rear tires took a beating when the rain started, but the track was still almost dry enough for slicks," he said. "We were fine during the first stint on intermediates when the track was wet enough."
Thus, Mercedes' race in Brazil was a testament to the tricky balance of tire management, which proved pivotal even as they celebrated a Constructors’ Championship victory.