Mercedes wins constructors’ title as Russell finishes fourth

Mercedes secured the Formula 1 constructors’ championship at the Brazilian Grand Prix, while George Russell finished fourth after recovering from a spin at the pit-lane exit. The result gave the team its first constructors’ title since 2021, according to race reporting.

Russell spun as he left the pit lane after changing from intermediate tyres to slicks. He recovered and continued, but lost positions. Isack Hadjar avoided Russell’s car, according to one account. Russell later finished fourth, with Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli ahead after the team allowed Russell to pass him.

Russell said he was unsure what caused the spin. He also described taking a risk because he saw an opportunity to challenge for the win. In another account, he mentioned cold tyres and said he had no boost when he could not complete a full rotation. The reports do not establish a definitive cause.

The incident shaped a race in which Russell made progress after starting seventh. He said the spin meant he did not make another stop for slick tyres and helped return him to a position similar to where he had been before the mistake. He later switched back to intermediates as rain returned in the closing stages.