Mercedes has issued a formal explanation regarding the series of incidents that impacted their drivers during the race at the Interlagos circuit. Despite securing the Constructors' title in Sao Paulo, the team faced significant technical hurdles throughout the Grand Prix that affected both Kimi Antonelli and his teammate.
Antonelli, fresh from clinching his maiden Drivers' championship in Mexico, struggled significantly after switching to slick tyres. The 20-year-old repeatedly reported via team radio that his W17 felt unstable, with handling characteristics suggesting a potential suspension failure. His race was compromised when he lost control at Turn 1, ultimately forcing him to settle for a fifth-place finish.
A similar scenario unfolded for George Russell, who experienced a spin while exiting the pit lane. The recurring handling issues led both drivers to believe there was a fundamental mechanical fault with their cars, given the unpredictable nature of the grip levels under the changeable weather conditions throughout the weekend.
Deputy Team Principal Bradley Lord clarified that the issues were primarily driven by the track's low ambient temperatures. These conditions made it exceptionally difficult for the tyres to reach their optimal operating window, leading to a loss of grip and erratic balance. Lord explained, "Kimi had a spin, flat-spotted all four tyres, and his pace was somewhat limited. We struggled immensely on the dry soft compound. The car was very tricky to drive, suffered from significant oversteer, and because of the low tyre temperatures, the drivers genuinely felt something was broken."
Reflecting on the race, Antonelli emphasized the need for a thorough data review. "The spin is something I need to look at. I don't know why I lost the rear so quickly without any warning. But when I put on the softs, I felt something weird with the car. It is a shame because we lost the race there," he stated.
As the team shifts focus to the remaining rounds of the 2026 season, they aim to resolve these tyre management challenges. Mercedes remains committed to maintaining their dominance heading into the Las Vegas GP, ensuring their championship-winning form is not hindered by environmental factors.
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