News Summary
- Lewis Hamilton intensified his criticism of Charles Leclerc, questioning his teammate’s mentality after Ferrari lost a potential victory at the Mexican Grand Prix.
- George Russell broke his silence after Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured the 2026 Formula 1 title, admitting he had endured a particularly difficult season.
- Formula 1 heads to São Paulo this weekend, where Mercedes could clinch the Constructors’ Championship and Antonelli will pay tribute to Ayrton Senna.
Formula 1’s attention has shifted from the dramatic Mexico City Grand Prix to the upcoming São Paulo race, but the repercussions of Sunday’s events continue to dominate the paddock. Lewis Hamilton’s criticism of Charles Leclerc has raised new questions about Ferrari’s internal management, while George Russell has spoken publicly about the disappointment of losing the world championship to Mercedes teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Meanwhile, Mercedes could complete its championship double at Interlagos, where the newly crowned world champion will race with a special tribute to Ayrton Senna.
Hamilton questions Leclerc’s mentality as Ferrari faces difficult talks
Hamilton’s frustration with Leclerc has become one of the biggest stories following the Mexican Grand Prix.
The seven-time champion believes Ferrari lost a potential victory because of the aggressive opening-lap battle between its drivers, which allowed Max Verstappen to move into contention.
Hamilton went beyond criticising the incident itself, questioning whether Leclerc places individual ambition ahead of the team’s interests.
The dispute has revived memories of previous tensions involving Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz during their respective Ferrari partnerships.
Hamilton’s latest criticism has brought years of Ferrari teammate clashes back into focus.
Team principal Frédéric Vasseur also criticised the lost opportunity, describing the result as a failure to respect the efforts of Ferrari’s employees.
Russell breaks silence after Antonelli’s championship victory
George Russell published an emotional message on Monday after missing his post-race media obligations in Mexico.
The Mercedes driver admitted that the 2026 season had brought more difficult days than successful ones, with disappointing performances and bad luck undermining his championship ambitions.
Russell nevertheless congratulated Antonelli and acknowledged the work Mercedes had done to produce a championship-winning car.
The British driver described his difficult season and promised to fight back.
Mercedes was fined €5,000 after excusing Russell from his mandatory media duties following the race.
Wolff criticises entitled drivers and praises Antonelli
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also attracted attention with his comments about the behaviour of some Formula 1 drivers.
The Austrian criticised competitors who complain excessively and place their individual interests above respect for others.
He held Antonelli up as an example of the values he believes modern Formula 1 champions should represent, highlighting humility, loyalty and integrity.
Wolff praised Antonelli while criticising what he called entitled drivers.
The Mercedes boss did not identify the drivers he was criticising.
Antonelli prepares Senna tribute for São Paulo Grand Prix
Antonelli will make his first Formula 1 appearance as world champion at the São Paulo Grand Prix on November 6–8.
The 20-year-old has confirmed that he will wear a special helmet honouring Ayrton Senna, commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Brazilian’s historic 1991 victory at Interlagos.
The Italian also intends to retain car number 12 in 2027 rather than adopt number 1.
Antonelli revealed the Senna tribute after securing his first world championship in Mexico.
Mercedes could secure Constructors’ Championship in Brazil
Mercedes enters the São Paulo Grand Prix with a 126-point advantage over Ferrari.
With three rounds remaining after Brazil, the team can secure the Constructors’ Championship by increasing its lead to at least 129 points.
That means Antonelli and Russell need to score a combined three points more than Hamilton and Leclerc at Interlagos, under the current calendar and points allocation.
The complete championship calculation explains how Mercedes can secure the title in Brazil.
The São Paulo Grand Prix takes place on Sunday, November 8, starting at 14:00 local time, equivalent to 17:00 GMT and 12:00 EST.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following every session of the São Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, with breaking news, full coverage and real-time updates in its Formula 1 section.
