Norris Wins São Paulo Grand Prix as Mercedes Secures Constructors’ Title

McLaren’s Lando Norris clinched victory at the São Paulo Grand Prix, sealing Mercedes’ 2026 constructors’ championship in the process.

Race Summary

Norris started from pole, the first pole for him since the Spanish Grand Prix in September. He lost the lead at the start to new world champion Kimi Antonelli as the track was wet. Norris pitted early for dry‑weather slicks, rejoined behind Antonelli and closed the gap quickly. On lap 20 Antonelli spun at Turn One after changing to slicks, handing the lead back to Norris. Norris kept the advantage through a late shower that forced a switch to wet‑weather tyres. He managed the changing conditions better than anyone and took his first win since the Dutch Grand Prix in August. Max Verstappen, who started 21st, fought his way up the field, passing Lewis Hamilton and a Ferrari to finish second. He benefited from a team order that asked Liam Lawson’s car to let him past on lap 39.

Key Incidents

Mercedes driver George Russell started seventh, spun exiting the pits on lap 16 and lost 15‑20 seconds, yet recovered to finish fourth. Antonelli recovered from his spin to finish fifth, giving Mercedes enough points to clinch the constructors’ championship a week after Antonelli tied the drivers’ title.

Context

The race highlighted how quickly tyre strategy can change the outcome in Interlagos’s unpredictable weather, and it marked a rare win for McLaren against Red Bull’s dominant pace.