Key Highlights
- Mercedes secured its ninth constructors’ championship at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
- Lewis Hamilton will travel back to the UK with his former Mercedes team after Ferrari’s driver finished ninth.
- Hamilton remains fourth in the drivers’ standings, one point behind George Russell and 18 points behind Max Verstappen.
Lewis Hamilton to Travel With Mercedes After Brazilian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton’s journey back from Interlagos could have been awkward after Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that the Ferrari driver would share the team’s overnight flight following Mercedes’ constructors’ championship victory.
Mercedes clinched its ninth constructors’ title at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday. George Russell finished fourth and Kimi Antonelli fifth, results that moved Mercedes beyond Ferrari’s reach with three races remaining in the season. Hamilton, who started from the back of the grid after receiving a power unit penalty, recovered to finish ninth.
Wolff Hints at a Constructors’ Celebration
Asked after the race where Mercedes would celebrate, Wolff said the team’s main party would have to wait until it returned to the UK. He indicated that the flight from Brazil could still provide an opportunity for a smaller celebration involving Russell and Hamilton.
“In terms of the party, I don’t know yet. It’s another flight, another overnight flight. George is going to be on that overnight flight, so maybe we’ll have a drink. A constructors’ drink,” Wolff explained to the media.
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“For the good and the bad. We’re going to take Lewis also, so we’ll see. Maybe he needs one for the bad. And then we’ll figure out what we do about the party coming back to the UK.”
Hamilton Congratulates His Former Team
Hamilton spent 12 seasons with Mercedes before moving to Ferrari in 2025. During his time with the Brackley-based team, Hamilton won six of his seven drivers’ championships and helped Mercedes claim eight consecutive constructors’ titles between 2014 and 2021.
Following the race weekend in São Paulo, Hamilton congratulated his former team in an Instagram post.
“Well done to Mercedes for winning the constructors’ championship and the incredible year they’ve had overall. Truly deserved,” Hamilton wrote in an Instagram post following the race weekend in São Paulo.
Hamilton Remains in Drivers’ Championship Battle
Hamilton’s ninth-place finish left him fourth in the drivers’ championship with 261 points. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen occupies second place with 279 points, while Russell is third on 262 points.
Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc is fifth with 249 points, and Lando Norris is sixth with 246 points. Hamilton therefore remains one point behind Russell and 18 points behind Verstappen as the season enters its final three races.
Why This Matters
Mercedes’ victory confirms the team’s return to the top of the constructors’ championship after Hamilton’s departure for Ferrari. The result also carries added significance because Hamilton contributed to Mercedes’ previous period of sustained success, including six of his seven championships and eight consecutive team titles.
The Brazilian Grand Prix additionally set up a close battle for second place in the drivers’ standings. With Russell, Hamilton and Verstappen separated by 18 points across second to fourth, the final three races will determine the outcome of that fight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Lewis Hamilton start the Brazilian Grand Prix from the back?
Hamilton started from the back after receiving a power unit penalty.
Where does Lewis Hamilton stand in the drivers’ championship?
Hamilton is fourth with 261 points. Max Verstappen is second with 279 points, and George Russell is third with 262 points.
How many constructors’ championships has Mercedes won?
Mercedes secured its ninth constructors’ championship at the Brazilian Grand Prix. The team previously won eight consecutive constructors’ titles from 2014 to 2021.
