Mercedes clinch constructors' title as Wolff probes car issues

Toto Wolff has said Mercedes may have got "something wrong" with its set-up at the São Paulo Grand Prix, after George Russell and Kimi Antonelli both reported unusual handling during a chaotic 71-lap race at Interlagos.

Russell spun at the pit-lane exit after switching from intermediate to slick tyres and briefly hit the wall, dropping to tenth before recovering to finish fourth. Antonelli, who had led the early stages, reported that something felt wrong and suspected a suspension problem. He later spun at Turn 1, handing the lead to Lando Norris, and finished fifth.

Mercedes has not yet identified the cause of the unpredictable behaviour. Wolff suspected tyre pressures or set-up, noting that the rear tyres were heavily worn while the fronts looked new. Despite the issues, the result secured Mercedes' ninth constructors' championship, its first since 2021, with three rounds remaining.