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Mercedes clinched their first Constructors’ Championship since 2021 at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix last weekend, sparking widespread congratulations from teams and executives across the Formula 1 grid. George Russell finished fourth and new World Champion Kimi Antonelli placed fifth in Brazil, securing enough points to hold off their rivals and earn the German manufacturer its ninth constructors’ title overall.
Reaction from Mercedes Leadership
Team Principal Toto Wolff expressed immense pride in the organization following the triumph, noting that very few teams manage to fight back to the top after enduring a multi-year drought. Mercedes’ success arrived during the first year of sweeping new regulations covering aerodynamics and power units.
Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin revealed that the team poured an unprecedented amount of effort into mastering the new rule set. Shovlin described the achievement as immensely satisfying after weathering numerous setbacks and periods where victory seemed out of reach.
Praise from F1 Rivals
Competitors throughout the paddock acknowledged the milestone, including McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who congratulated Mercedes and HPP on social media while anticipating next year’s battle. McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella praised the high standards of competition in modern Formula 1 and noted that Mercedes fully deserved their success.
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton, who secured six of his drivers’ titles and eight consecutive constructors’ crowns with Mercedes, shared a celebratory message on Instagram describing the victory as thoroughly well-deserved. Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies commended Mercedes for capitalizing on an early development switch last year, which helped them open the 2026 season with a significant performance advantage.
Formula 1 Leadership Recognition
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali joined in the acclaim, emphasizing that reaching the pinnacle of the sport required the combined dedication of hundreds of factory and trackside personnel. Domenicali also highlighted Toto Wolff drawing level with Sir Frank Williams on nine constructors’ titles.
“To win the Constructors’ Championship in the same season that Kimi Antonelli became the youngest ever Drivers’ World Champion makes 2026 truly unforgettable for Mercedes and for Formula 1,” Domenicali said.
