Lando Norris won the São Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday, November 8th, after an eventful race marked by rain, changing strategies, and a spectacular comeback by Max Verstappen. Starting from 21st position, the Dutchman finished second, ahead of Isack Hadjar, giving Red Bull Racing a magnificent double podium.
At Interlagos: Norris wins, Mercedes takes the crown
But behind this McLaren victory , another historic event lit up Interlagos: Mercedes is officially the 2026 Constructors' World Champion!
With George Russell fourth and Kimi Antonelli fifth, Toto Wolff 's team achieved the drivers-constructors double, just a few days after the young Italian's triumph in Mexico.
At Ferrari , the race was much less enjoyable.
And at Aston Martin , despite the hopes raised by Fernando Alonso 's qualifying performances , reliability issues continue to weigh heavily.
Norris takes back what Antonelli had stolen from him
The start immediately shook up the order. On a wet track, Kimi Antonelli took the lead from Lando Norris in the opening corners. The McLaren driver even dropped back behind Liam Lawson , who was particularly aggressive in his Racing Bulls . But on lap six, Norris regained second place and set off in pursuit of the leader. The turning point came on lap twenty. Antonelli made a mistake in the Senna Esses and lost the lead. Norris retook the position and never relinquished it. Despite the return of rain in the closing laps, the Briton maintained his advantage until the checkered flag.
Verstappen, 21st at the start, second at the finish
The other remarkable feat of the day was accomplished by Max Verstappen . Penalized for engine component changes, the Dutchman had to start from the back of the grid. But he immediately launched a spectacular comeback. Overtaking after overtaking, the Red Bull Racing driver climbed to the front of the field.
His teammate Isack HadjarAlso exceptionally fast, he agreed to cede second place to him on team orders. The Frenchman finished third, confirming his potential within the Austrian team. Verstappen fails to resume Norris, but his second place represents an exceptional performance.
Mercedes: The Return of an Empire
While all eyes were on the battle for victory, Mercedes was preparing its own celebration. With George Russell and Kimi Antonelli finishing fourth and fifth respectively , the German team mathematically secured the Constructors' World Championship title. A considerable achievement for Toto Wolff . After eight consecutive championships between 2014 and 2021, Mercedes had lost its dominance to Red Bull Racing , and then to McLaren . The regulatory revolution of 2026 allowed them to reclaim the top spot. The gamble of promoting Kimi Antonelli after Lewis Hamilton 's departure proved particularly fruitful. At just 20 years old, the Italian already holds a Drivers' World Championship title. Mercedes now completes its record with the Constructors' crown. A historic double that confirms the team's sporting and technical success.
Aston Martin: Alonso makes it back to Q3, Honda remains under pressure
For Fernando Alonso , the Brazilian Grand Prix was meant to be a chance to bounce back. After the Mexican debacle, where both Aston Martins retired before even completing six laps, the Spaniard had found some reason for optimism. On Saturday, in a rain-affected qualifying session, the two-time world champion managed to reach Q3 for the first time this season. Starting ninth in qualifying, he gained a place on the grid thanks to penalties handed out to several competitors. An encouraging performance for a team whose technical difficulties have largely dominated the season.
But on Sunday, reliability once again made its presence felt in the British garage.
Lance Stroll was forced to retire, confirming that Honda 's progress has not yet allayed all concerns. The Japanese manufacturer had announced corrective work on its power unit following the incidents in Mexico.
For Alonso , qualifying had shown that the Aston Martin could still seize opportunities in specific conditions. But the team now needs to convert these flashes of brilliance into consistent results. Alonso nevertheless finished twelfth.
Ferrari: Mercedes celebrates, Hamilton watches
At Ferrari , the day took on a particularly bitter taste. Lewis Hamilton , penalized on the grid after engine changes, attempted an aggressive comeback. But difficulties managing his tires and a spin compromised his chances. He could do no better than ninth.
Charles Leclerc , also penalized before the start, had to battle through the pack and finished seventh. The Scuderia leaves without a result that lived up to its ambitions.
And the irony is cruel.
Hamilton had left Mercedes to try and bring Ferrari back to the top of Formula 1.
Two seasons later, his former team has just won both world titles. Frédéric Vasseur therefore has to deal with a delicate situation: inconsistent performances, tensions between his drivers, and a rival who is celebrating precisely what Ferrari hoped to achieve.
Interlagos crowns some and reminds others of reality
At the end of the 71 laps, Lando Norris imposes itself with authority. Max Verstappen signs an exceptional comeback. Isack Hadjar confirms the progress of Red Bull Racing.
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli complete the top 5 for Mercedes , allowing their team to officially return to the top of the constructors' world championship.
McLaren wins the race. Red Bull makes a successful comeback. Mercedes sweeps the championships. Meanwhile, Ferrari is still searching for the recipe for victory.
Brazilian GP standings:
🔥BREZİLYA'DA START ANI. #F1 | #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/YyxjLIw1Dn
— Pit Crew (@pitcrewbulteni) November 8, 2026
The Lando spike doesn't quite go to plan 🍾😂 #F1 #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/FToJAuDycz
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 8, 2026
The Constructors' Championship is coming back to Brackley and Brixworth. F1 World Champions for a NINTH time 😤 pic.twitter.com/b74bmqY6Sc
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) November 8, 2026
