Mercedes has celebrated its historic 2026 Formula 1 double world championship triumph at its Brackley and Brixworth factories, bringing together Toto Wolff, Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell to recognise the team’s return to the top of the sport. The celebrations marked the Italian driver’s first Drivers’ World Championship and Mercedes’ ninth Constructors’ Championship, ending a five-year wait for another teams’ title.
On Wednesday, 11 November, the Mercedes facilities at Brackley and Brixworth opened their doors for a special celebration involving employees from across the organisation. Team principal and CEO Toto Wolff was joined by race drivers Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, as well as reserve driver Fred Vesti, in an occasion designed to recognise the contributions of the thousands of people behind the championship-winning operation.
The event celebrated not only the individual achievement of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who secured the world title in Mexico, but also the collective success of an organisation that had endured several difficult seasons before returning to championship-winning form.
Mercedes celebrates ninth F1 Constructors’ Championship after five-year wait
Mercedes’ latest triumph carries particular significance when viewed against the team’s recent history. Between 2014 and 2021, the German manufacturer dominated Formula 1, securing an unprecedented eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships.
However, the introduction of new technical regulations in 2022 marked the beginning of a much more challenging period for the Brackley-based operation. After years of dominance, Mercedes struggled to maintain the advantage it had previously enjoyed, forcing the team to reassess its approach and work towards a return to the front of the grid.
The major Formula 1 regulation changes introduced for 2026, involving both chassis and power unit development, presented Mercedes with a fresh opportunity. The team successfully capitalised on the new technical framework, securing 12 Grand Prix victories during the season and reclaiming the Constructors’ Championship.
For Toto Wolff, the celebrations represented an opportunity to acknowledge the work required to overcome the difficulties of previous years.
“There are moments when you need to stop and appreciate what has been achieved, and today is one of those moments,” Toto Wolff said.
“The past few years have tested us. We made mistakes, questioned ourselves, changed and kept working. There was never going to be a shortcut back to fighting for championships. That’s why being here today with everyone at Brackley and Brixworth means so much.”
The Mercedes team principal’s comments highlighted the significance of the collective effort behind the championship success. Following several seasons of setbacks and difficult decisions, the organisation had finally achieved the objective of returning to the top of Formula 1.
Kimi Antonelli celebrates first F1 world championship with Mercedes
For Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the celebrations at Brackley and Brixworth carried an especially personal meaning. The Italian joined the Mercedes Junior Programme at just 11 years old, progressing through the junior racing categories before making his Formula 1 debut in 2025.
His championship victory in Mexico completed a remarkable journey through the Mercedes development system. Andrea Kimi Antonelli became the first driver to emerge from the Mercedes Junior Programme and win the Formula 1 Drivers’ World Championship with the works team.
The young Italian, who has also reflected on his emotional championship triumph and his ambitions for the future, admitted that becoming world champion was still difficult to comprehend.
“Being here as world champion is something I’m still trying to take in. I joined Mercedes when I was very young, and so many people have helped me at every stage of the journey.”
Andrea Kimi Antonelli was keen to share the achievement with everyone who had contributed to his development and to the competitiveness of the Mercedes car. He emphasised that although the Drivers’ Championship is awarded to an individual, success at the highest level depends on the work of an entire organisation.
“A Drivers’ World Championship has just one name attached to it, but you cannot achieve something like this alone. Every time I get into the car, I know how many hours of work have gone into giving George and me the opportunity to perform. Coming to Brackley and Brixworth and celebrating with everyone who has been part of this journey is something special.”
The celebrations also highlighted the long-term commitment Mercedes had made to Andrea Kimi Antonelli, supporting his progression from a young racing prospect to the highest level of international motorsport.
George Russell praises Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes’ championship comeback
George Russell also paid tribute to the Mercedes workforce, emphasising the significance of securing the team’s ninth Constructors’ Championship after several challenging seasons.
For the British driver, the achievement reflected the determination of everyone involved to overcome the difficulties that followed the previous era of Mercedes dominance.
“Winning the Constructors’ World Championship means so much because it represents the work of the entire team. We’ve been through difficult years, but nobody here ever accepted that situation. At the same time, nobody expected an immediate solution. Everyone kept working, learning and believing that we could get back to this position.”
George Russell also recognised the contribution of his teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, whose performances were instrumental in Mercedes’ successful championship campaign. Despite the competition between the two drivers, George Russell believes their rivalry helped the team continue improving throughout the season.
“What Kimi has achieved this season has been exceptional. We’ve pushed each other throughout the year, and that has helped move the team forward.”
The mutual respect between the two Mercedes drivers has been an important element of their relationship, even during more demanding periods of the season. Their competitive dynamic has also attracted attention within the team, including Toto Wolff’s warning following an earlier clash between Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.
Toto Wolff recognises the people behind Mercedes’ return to F1 glory
The celebrations at Brackley and Brixworth provided Mercedes with an opportunity to bring together the different departments responsible for its latest championship success. From the development of the car and power unit to the performances delivered on track, the achievement represented the combined efforts of the entire organisation.
For Toto Wolff, the ninth Constructors’ Championship was especially meaningful because it followed a period in which Mercedes had been forced to confront its weaknesses and rebuild its competitive position.
The team’s 12 victories during the 2026 season, combined with Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Drivers’ Championship triumph, provided a fitting reward for those efforts. It also marked an important moment in Mercedes’ Formula 1 history, as the manufacturer returned to winning both world titles after five years away from the top of the Constructors’ standings.
While Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrated the culmination of a journey that began in the Mercedes junior ranks, George Russell and Toto Wolff emphasised the importance of teamwork, persistence and continuous improvement in making the achievement possible.
More news about Mercedes and Kimi Antonelli
- Toto Wolff praises Kimi Antonelli following Mercedes’ world championship success
- Kimi Antonelli’s father reveals when he knew the Mercedes driver could become world champion
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