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Antonelli Confirmed as Champion Ahead of São Paulo
Formula 1 arrives in São Paulo this weekend to conclude the second triple-header of this season's closing phase. Andrea Kimi Antonelli has already been confirmed as champion of the 2026 season with four races to spare before the end of the championship, though the Italian driver has everything in place to further expand his numbers. By securing a podium finish in Mexico, Antonelli reached the mark of 380 points, preventing other drivers from challenging him across the remaining rounds of the championship.
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Fight for the Vice-Championship
Despite the title being settled, an intense duel remains underway for the vice-championship. Max Verstappen secured his third victory in four rounds and holds 261 points, with the Dutch driver capitalizing on another Ferrari misstep to collect important points. Lewis Hamilton finished the race in Mexico in second place, though with the bitter taste of not converting pole into a win, and the seven-time champion totals 259 points compared to 250 for George Russell. The British Mercedes driver is attempting to recover lost ground after learning that he can no longer become champion in 2026. While Russell holds three victories, matching Verstappen's win total, his most recent triumph came in Azerbaijan. The primary difficulty stems from the podium finishes accumulated by the Red Bull driver, leaving the situation unfavourable for Russell after struggling to find rhythm across the entire season.
Penalties and Standings After Mexico
Charles Leclerc currently occupies fifth place in the championship with 245 points. During the event in Mexico, the Monegasque driver attempted to secure a victory, but forcing his teammate off the track and receiving a five-second penalty compromised his team's result. Leclerc crossed the finish line in fourth place while battling Lando Norris directly behind him, who now holds sixth position in the championship with 221 points.
Demands of Interlagos
The championship now travels to the Interlagos Circuit, a layout familiar to the drivers across the grid. The venue features a short, anti-clockwise track accompanied by challenging weather conditions. Strategy is extremely important for securing a strong result, and the circuit also places heavy demands on engines as teams prepare to manage numerous variables.
