Lando Norris won the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix for McLaren, overcoming changing weather conditions at Interlagos to finish ahead of Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. Mercedes secured the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship with both drivers finishing inside the top five.
The 71-lap race at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace began on a wet track before conditions improved. Rain returned in the closing stages, forcing drivers to adapt once again.
- Lando Norris secured his third victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season, finishing 14.6 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen in a rain-affected Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
- Verstappen recovered from 21st on the grid to finish second, while Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar completed the podium.
- Mercedes clinched the 2026 Constructors’ Championship after George Russell and Kimi Antonelli finished fourth and fifth.
Starting from pole position, Norris maintained his advantage and crossed the finish line in 1:35:23.504, taking his third Grand Prix victory of the season.
Norris beats Verstappen as Red Bull claims double podium
Verstappen delivered one of the race’s biggest recoveries, climbing from 21st on the starting grid to second place. The four-time world champion finished 14.602 seconds behind Norris.
Red Bull secured two podium positions as Hadjar finished third, 24.485 seconds behind the winner.
The changing conditions created opportunities throughout the field. Liam Lawson ran as high as second during the opening laps, while Kimi Antonelli briefly led before his race was disrupted by two spins, including one before the start.
Norris avoided major setbacks as the track transitioned from wet to dry conditions and back to rain during the final stages.
Mercedes wins 2026 F1 Constructors’ Championship
Mercedes secured the constructors’ title despite missing the podium in Brazil.
George Russell finished fourth, 33.991 seconds behind Norris, while Antonelli recovered to fifth after a difficult race. Their combined 22 championship points were sufficient to confirm Mercedes as the 2026 Constructors’ Champion.
The result added the teams’ championship to Mercedes’ 2026 achievements after Antonelli had already secured the Drivers’ Championship at the Mexican Grand Prix.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished sixth, followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who overtook Lawson on the penultimate lap.
Lewis Hamilton finished ninth in his 400th Formula 1 start. The Ferrari driver recovered from 20th on the grid despite spinning during the race. Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg completed the top 10.
Sao Paulo Grand Prix 2026 race results
| Position | Driver | Team | Gap | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:35:23.504 | 25 |
| 2 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | +14.602s | 18 |
| 3 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull | +24.485s | 15 |
| 4 | George Russell | Mercedes | +33.991s | 12 |
| 5 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | +36.017s | 10 |
| 6 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | — | 8 |
| 7 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | — | 6 |
| 8 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | — | 4 |
| 9 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | — | 2 |
| 10 | Nico Hulkenberg | Audi | — | 1 |
Hamilton scores points in 400th F1 start
Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad finished 11th, narrowly missing the points. Fernando Alonso followed in 12th for Aston Martin, ahead of Alpine teammates Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly.
- Williams driver Alex Albon finished 15th, followed by Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto in his home race for Audi.
- Ollie Bearman finished 17th for Haas, ahead of Cadillac’s Sergio Perez and Williams driver Carlos Sainz.
- Rafael Camara completed his Formula 1 debut in 20th position for Haas.
Two drivers failed to finish. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll retired during the race, while Cadillac’s Valtteri Bottas was withdrawn before the start because of a technical problem.
The Brazilian Grand Prix delivered Norris another victory and Red Bull a double podium, but the championship milestone belonged to Mercedes, which completed its 2026 title double at Interlagos.
