Allison and Lord say Ferrari never threatened Mercedes’ constructors’ title in São Paulo

Ferrari never looked capable of denying Mercedes the constructors’ title at the São Paulo Grand Prix, technical director James Allison and deputy team principal Bradley Lord said on the Silver Arrows Radio Show podcast. Mercedes did not feel it had to race conservatively to protect the title, they said, even after George Russell and Kimi Antonelli both spun.

Allison said Ferrari’s poor pace meant Mercedes’ own problems did not make the red cars seem likely to challenge. Lord pointed to Lewis Hamilton’s strong launch from 20th on the grid, but said Ferrari made progress and then fell back, with its cars overtaking and being passed again. Mercedes remained ahead of the Ferraris on track throughout, Lord said.

Lando Norris won the race, while Russell finished fourth and Antonelli fifth as Mercedes clinched the 2026 constructors’ championship with three rounds to spare. Charles Leclerc finished eighth, one place ahead of Hamilton in ninth.