Kimi Antonelli appeared capable of winning the São Paulo Grand Prix after taking the lead, but a sudden spin on lap 20 ended his challenge. The Mercedes driver said the car felt unstable and pulled to one side; Mercedes will investigate a possible rear-geometry issue. His fifth-place finish came as the team celebrated its first Constructors’ Championship since 2021.

By the Numbers
  • Lap 20: Antonelli spun at Turn 1, surrendering the lead.
  • Mercedes clinched its ninth Constructors’ Championship, its first since 2021.
  • George Russell finished fourth; Antonelli finished fifth.
Yes, But

Antonelli believed Mercedes had been in position to win, but the cause of the spin remains unclear. He reported an unstable rear end—especially in left-hand corners—and said the spin flat-spotted all four tires, hurting his pace. A fresh set of soft tires helped him recover speed late in the race.

State of Play
  • Mercedes secured the team title despite missing out on the race victory.
  • The team plans to inspect the car’s rear geometry to identify the handling problem.
Bottom Line

Mercedes had a championship-winning day, but Antonelli’s lost opportunity leaves a technical question to answer: what made the car’s rear suddenly unstable when victory seemed within reach?