What happened: Mercedes saw its run of 19 consecutive podium finishes snapped at the São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos. George Russell placed fourth and Kimi Antonelli finished fifth, leaving the team off the rostrum for the first time in the 2026 season.
Why it matters: Despite missing the top three in Brazil, Mercedes secured its ninth Formula 1 Constructors' Championship with three rounds to spare. The 19-race streak across the opening 19 rounds of 2026 stands as the joint-sixth longest team podium run in series history.
By the numbers: 19 consecutive podium finishes to open the 2026 season; tied for the sixth-longest team podium streak in Formula 1 history.
What to watch: Formula 1 heads to the Las Vegas Grand Prix for Round 21 of the championship. Mercedes enters the final stretch with both titles already clinched.