Antonelli puts race frustration aside to celebrate Mercedes’ title

Kimi Antonelli said he was putting aside the disappointment of finishing fifth at the São Paulo Grand Prix to celebrate Mercedes’ first constructors’ title since 2021. Although he described his race as extremely disappointing, he thanked Mercedes staff at the circuit and at its Brackley and Brixworth factories, crediting them with helping him achieve his dream.

Starting second, Antonelli snatched the lead from pole-sitter Lando Norris and opened a margin. His stop for slicks came later than his rivals’, leaving him vulnerable as Norris closed on soft tyres already up to temperature. Antonelli struggled for grip and spun at Turn 1, watching Norris pass. He briefly returned to the lead but lacked the pace to stay there, finishing fifth behind team-mate George Russell. He held fifth despite a five-second penalty for an unsafe release.

Antonelli had clinched his own title in Mexico City a week earlier. Mercedes’ constructors’ triumph marked the first time the team had won both championships since 2020. Antonelli said he wanted to finish the season strongly and keep the team’s momentum going into 2027.