Five days after claiming the Formula One world title, Kimi Antonelli will seek to lead Mercedes to the double this weekend by beating Ferrari to take the constructors' championship at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The 20-year-old Italian, youngest champion in F1 history and first Italian winner for 73 years, will be bidding for his 10th win of a remarkable season. Antonelli's teammate, George Russell, will be intent on returning to winning ways himself after a series of car failures and ill-fortune.
Russell, who is without a win in four races, is aiming for a strong end to the season, with a repeat of his 2022 triumph at Interlagos, to give him a springboard for a title challenge in 2027. He expressed his commitment to rediscovering his performance, saying he will give his absolute all for the rest of this season and into the next one. Russell also hopes that a little bit of luck returns, after congratulating Antonelli on finishing third in Mexico to clinch his maiden title.
Deputy technical director Simone Resta and team chief Toto Wolff conceded that Mercedes had failed Russell, with Resta saying they really need to sort out these problems for the future. Wolff added that the team needs to maximise their points and results to win the championship. Mercedes need to outscore Ferrari by three points or more to be champions.
Antonelli visited the family of his childhood hero Ayrton Senna and was photographed sitting in the three-time champion's famous black and gold Lotus 98T car. The Italian has said he will keep the number 12 on his car next year. Meanwhile, local hope Rafael Camara, 21, will make his F1 debut on his home track with Haas, succeeding Ryo Hirakawa.
Both of the Silver Arrows' drivers will be strongly challenged by Red Bull's in-form four-time champion Max Verstappen, who has won three of the last four races. The speed of his teammate Isack Hadjar will be a threat along with both Ferraris. Ferrari, however, are without a win in Brazil since 2017.
Charles Leclerc, who is set to be rested in Friday's first practice with reserve driver Dino Beganovic running alongside Hamilton, may have other things on his mind after the birth of his daughter. Last year's winner and champion Lando Norris of McLaren should not be ruled out on a track where he has started from pole for the last two years.
The Sao Paulo Grand Prix will be a significant event for Lewis Hamilton, a three-time winner and an honorary citizen of Brazil loved by the passionate Interlagos crowd. With several drivers and teams vying for position, the competition is expected to be fierce.
Key points
- Mercedes need to outscore Ferrari by three points or more to win the constructors' championship.
- Kimi Antonelli is the youngest champion in F1 history and first Italian winner for 73 years.
- Rafael Camara will make his F1 debut on his home track with Haas.
