Toto says Mercedes still has the constructors’ title to secure

After Kimi Antonelli secured the drivers’ title in Mexico, Toto Wolff said Mercedes’ attention had turned to the constructors’ championship, the team’s remaining title target. Mercedes still had work to do as it prepared for São Paulo, he said.

In Mercedes’ São Paulo preview, dated 4 November, Wolff called Antonelli’s title a major achievement at this stage of his career and said he deserved the moment. He described the disappointment for George Russell as understandable, noting that Russell had been hard on himself, while praising his driving and the quality he had shown this season.

Wolff said circumstances beyond Russell’s control had not always worked in his favour. He also said Mercedes had not always given Russell a car in which he could perform, while praising him for continuing to push and contribute to the team.

Mercedes began the season aiming to fight for both championships, Wolff said. He described the constructors’ title as dependent on the whole operation, from the track to the bases in Brackley and Brixworth, and said winning it would mean a great deal to the team. Wolff called Interlagos a demanding weekend with little room for error and said Mercedes needed to perform strongly from the opening session.