Kimi Antonelli’s rivals used final practice at the São Paulo Grand Prix to prepare their comeback efforts after the Italian clinched the 2026 Formula 1 drivers’ title last weekend in Mexico. Antonelli’s championship win has left the remaining races largely about pride and the constructors’ championship, with Mercedes leading the standings.
Antonelli secured his maiden drivers’ crown by finishing third in Mexico, extending his lead to 119 points, a gap that effectively ended the title fight. Despite this, top drivers such as Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton remain on the grid in Brazil, pushing to improve their positions and chip away at Mercedes’ hold on the constructors’ title.
During the final practice session in São Paulo, teams focused on refining setups and strategies. Mercedes, currently leading with 630 points, aims to maintain their advantage over Ferrari, who sit second with 504 points. Antonelli himself signaled the need to reset and focus on the future, telling the Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show, "2026 is almost done, but we still got to win the constructors' championship." He added that the title win represents a fresh starting point for Mercedes and himself as they prepare for 2027.
The mood among Antonelli’s rivals reflected a mix of respect for the Italian’s dominance and determination to improve. George Russell described the aftermath of Antonelli’s title clinch in Mexico as intense, saying, "I need to get out of here," capturing the emotional weight of the moment. Meanwhile, drivers like Leclerc and Norris were concentrating on extracting more from their cars in practice sessions, hoping to close the gap in upcoming races.
The São Paulo circuit presents a challenge with its demanding layout and passionate local fans. Rafael Camara of Haas F1 was seen inspecting the garage during practice, underscoring the effort teams are putting into fine-tuning their cars. Haas, along with McLaren and Alpine, continues to seek progress in the midfield battle.
Antonelli’s personal focus now shifts to the constructors’ championship and next season. Despite having secured the drivers’ crown, the Mercedes team remains committed to maintaining their dominance in the remaining rounds. The 26-year-old Italian, who holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Marian University Indianapolis, has said he views this championship as a foundation to build upon rather than a final achievement.
With three races left in the 2026 season, the battle for the constructors’ crown remains open. Mercedes holds a significant lead but faces pressure from Ferrari to close the gap. The São Paulo GP is expected to provide a testing ground for both teams as they push for maximum points.
Antonelli’s rivals may be preparing their comeback, but the Italian’s focus on future goals and Mercedes’ strong position suggest that the rest of the season will be fought on different terms than the drivers’ championship. The final practice session in São Paulo confirmed that while the title is decided, the competition on track remains fierce.
According to Sky Sports.
