Mercedes has secured its ninth Formula 1 Constructors’ World Championship after George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli finished fourth and fifth at the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix, completing a remarkable return to the top of the sport. Five years after its previous constructors’ title, the German manufacturer has ended a difficult rebuilding period and completed a championship double, having already claimed the Drivers’ World Championship in 2026.
For team principal Toto Wolff, the achievement is particularly satisfying. Having overseen Mercedes’ recovery from the difficulties of the ground-effect era, the Austrian believes that relatively few teams have managed to return to championship-winning form after experiencing both a period of dominance and a subsequent decline.
Toto Wolff celebrates Mercedes’ ninth F1 constructors’ championship
Mercedes’ fourth- and fifth-place finishes at Interlagos were sufficient to put the Constructors’ Championship beyond the reach of its rivals. Although neither driver reached the podium, the result secured the team’s ninth title and marked its first constructors’ triumph since 2021.
Wolff paid tribute to the organisation behind the recovery, highlighting the satisfaction of returning to the summit after several difficult seasons.
“It’s very satisfying because there aren’t many teams that, after an era of success and a difficult period, have managed to return to winning. This team has done it, and that’s why I feel very honoured to work here.”
The achievement follows a challenging period for Mercedes, which dominated much of Formula 1’s hybrid era before gradually losing its position as the championship’s benchmark. Red Bull initially took over that role, followed by McLaren, as Mercedes struggled to reproduce its earlier success.
The latest technical regulation cycle has transformed the team’s competitiveness. Mercedes began the 2026 season with six consecutive victories and subsequently managed the advantage established during the opening part of the championship, ultimately securing both world titles.
The constructors’ success also follows Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s emotional Drivers’ World Championship victory, completing a memorable season for the Brackley-based team.
Toto Wolff equals Sir Frank Williams’ record of nine constructors’ titles
Mercedes’ latest triumph carries particular historical significance for Toto Wolff. With nine Constructors’ World Championships won during his tenure, the Austrian has equalled Sir Frank Williams’ record for the most constructors’ titles secured while leading a Formula 1 team.
The milestone has special personal meaning for Wolff, who enjoyed a close relationship with the Williams founder. Reflecting on that connection, the Mercedes team principal admitted that he had never imagined reaching the same number of championships.
“Frank was an incredible icon of the sport, and back in those days, I never thought that number of Constructors’ Championships would be possible. I had a very close relationship with Frank, and to be up there with him is really fantastic.”
“To be fair, some of us have won even more, but it’s really fantastic. It’s a truly great honour, and one that I’m very happy to accept.”
Equalling Sir Frank Williams places Wolff alongside one of Formula 1’s most significant team leaders. It also underlines the scale of Mercedes’ achievement after the difficult years that followed its previous period of dominance.
Mercedes’ remarkable recovery after the ground-effect era
The ninth constructors’ championship represents the culmination of a lengthy rebuilding process. After dominating much of the hybrid era, Mercedes struggled when Formula 1 entered its ground-effect regulation cycle, allowing first Red Bull and then McLaren to establish themselves at the front.
The beginning of a new technical era in 2026 provided Mercedes with the opportunity to regain its competitive advantage. Six consecutive victories at the start of the season gave the team a substantial foundation, and that early success ultimately proved sufficient to deliver the championship.
Alongside its dominant early-season form, Mercedes also had to manage the changing competitive picture as the campaign developed. The team nevertheless maintained the advantage required to secure the title, supported by the contributions of both George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Wolff’s appreciation of the collective effort reflects the importance of the entire organisation in restoring Mercedes’ position at the front. His earlier praise for Antonelli following the Drivers’ World Championship triumph further highlighted the significance of the team’s success in 2026.
Toto Wolff already focused on Las Vegas and Mercedes’ 2027 F1 car
Despite the satisfaction of securing another world championship and equalling Sir Frank Williams’ historic record, Wolff has no intention of becoming distracted by the celebrations. His attention has already turned towards Mercedes’ remaining commitments and the development of its next Formula 1 car.
The Austrian is particularly focused on the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix and the testing work required to prepare the team’s 2027 challenger. Rather than dwelling on the ninth constructors’ title, he is already considering the next steps in Mercedes’ development programme.
“My mind is already on Las Vegas and what we need to do in terms of testing to develop next year’s car. I’m always looking ahead.”
Mercedes’ return to the top of Formula 1 has therefore delivered both a historic milestone and a foundation for its next challenge. For Wolff, however, the celebrations are already giving way to preparations for the future.
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