What happened: Mercedes determined that sub-optimal tyre operating temperatures caused Kimi Antonelli's spin during Sunday's São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos. Deputy team principal Bradley Lord stated that dropping below the operating window during damp conditions on dry soft tyres triggered severe oversteer and handling anomalies. Antonelli had built an early lead after starting second before spinning off at Turn 1 on lap 20 following a switch to slicks.
Why it matters: Despite the setback, Mercedes clinched the 2026 constructors' championship in Brazil after Antonelli and George Russell finished fifth and fourth. The result capped a title double for the Silver Arrows, who sealed their first constructors' crown since 2021 after Mercedes secured Antonelli's maiden drivers' title in Mexico.
By the numbers: São Paulo GP top five: P1 Norris, P2 Verstappen, P3 Hadjar, P4 Russell, P5 Antonelli (+41s). Mercedes sealed its first constructors' championship since 2021.
What to watch: Formula 1 shifts to the final rounds of the 2026 calendar with Mercedes having swept both world championships.