Kimi Antonelli will return to Formula One action at the São Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, five days after making history as the sport's youngest-ever world champion, with Mercedes targeting a second major title to cap their 2026 campaign.
The 20-year-old secured his maiden Drivers' Championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, November 1, after finishing third behind race winner Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. The result ended his championship battle with three races still remaining and saw him surpass Sebastian Vettel's record as the youngest driver to win the title.
However, Antonelli has little time to enjoy his achievement, with the Italian now turning his attention to Interlagos, where Mercedes have an opportunity to secure the Constructors' Championship for the first time since 2021.
Mercedes head into the Brazilian Grand Prix leading Ferrari by 126 points, having collected 630 points compared to their rivals' 504. The team needs to outscore Ferrari by at least three points in São Paulo to mathematically seal the championship with three rounds still remaining.
Antonelli will be central to that pursuit, having established himself as Mercedes' leading championship contender in a season that has seen him deliver consistent performances against some of the sport's most experienced drivers.
His teammate George Russell will also be looking to contribute after a difficult run of results that has seen him go four races without a victory. The Briton last won at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he started from pole position, and is targeting a strong finish to the season.
Russell congratulated Antonelli following his championship triumph but made it clear that he remains determined to rediscover his best form.
"All I can promise is that for the rest of this season, and into the next one, I will be giving my absolute all to rediscover the performance I have been capable of producing for the majority of my career," Russell said.
Mercedes deputy technical director Simone Resta acknowledged that the team had let Russell down through reliability problems and missed opportunities, insisting that improving their results would be crucial to winning the Constructors' Championship.
Meanwhile, Antonelli has also taken time to celebrate his achievement away from the circuit, visiting the family of Brazilian racing legend Ayrton Senna, whom he has repeatedly identified as his childhood hero.
The Italian was photographed sitting in Senna's iconic black and gold Lotus 98T, displaying the number 12 that he has chosen to retain for the 2027 season.
Antonelli will nevertheless face a competitive field in Brazil, with Verstappen arriving in strong form after winning three of the last four races, including Sunday's Mexican Grand Prix. Ferrari will also be determined to close the gap after missing an opportunity to take maximum points in Mexico.
The São Paulo Grand Prix takes place on Sunday, November 8, at the Interlagos circuit, with Mercedes hoping to turn Antonelli's individual success into another championship-winning achievement for the team.
