Mercedes arrive at the Brazilian Grand Prix with a chance to clinch the 2026 Formula 1 Teams’ Championship. They hold a 126-point lead over Ferrari after both cars scored in Mexico City, and only Ferrari remain in contention. Red Bull and McLaren have already fallen out of the title fight.
A maximum of 172 points is available across the season’s final four rounds. After the Brazilian Grand Prix, 129 points will remain, so Mercedes will take the championship if they leave Interlagos more than 128 points ahead. The team can achieve that by outscoring Ferrari by at least three points this weekend. If the teams finish level on points, Mercedes would win the title on countback because they have more race victories.
Ferrari’s result will shape the permutations. If they score no points, an eighth-place finish by either Kimi Antonelli or George Russell would be enough to secure the championship for Mercedes. A Ferrari one-two would ensure the title fight continues beyond Brazil. Ferrari could also win the race without ending Mercedes’ hopes, provided the Mercedes drivers finish high enough and Ferrari’s other driver places lower down.
Mercedes have scored 630 points this season, compared with Ferrari’s 504. Antonelli has won nine Grands Prix and Russell three. Ferrari have two race victories: Lewis Hamilton’s in Barcelona and Charles Leclerc’s at Silverstone.
If Mercedes do not clinch the title at Interlagos, their next opportunity will be the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The season then concludes with races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Sources: Formula 1.