Mercedes explains Brazilian GP spins for Antonelli and Russell

Mercedes has explained the series of spins suffered by Kimi Antonelli and George Russell during the Brazilian Grand Prix, a race that followed the team securing the Constructors' title in São Paulo. Antonelli, who had won the Drivers' title in Mexico, had looked set for his first win as a world champion before going off at Turn 1 with his rear end snapping under braking, dropping to fifth. Russell also suffered a pit lane spin before recovering to fifth.

Antonelli reported suspension problems over team radio and said he could not explain the sudden loss of rear grip. Deputy Team Principal Bradley Lord said the cause was tyre temperature. He said the cooler conditions left the tyres just below their operating window, making the car oversteer unpredictably and leading both drivers, and others in the field, to believe something was broken.

Lord praised the drivers for finishing fourth and fifth despite a race full of incidents, which gave Mercedes its ninth Constructors' title.