Mercedes Edge Closer to Ninth Formula 1 Constructors' World Title

Mercedes are charging towards their ninth Formula 1 Constructors' Championship after building a commanding lead over their rivals in 2026. With six rounds remaining, the German outfit is steadily closing in on lifting the trophy once again.

The Silver Arrows lead the standings on 578 points, followed by Ferrari on 444, McLaren on 339, and Red Bull on 332. Mercedes have notched 11 victories in the opening 17 Grands Prix of the campaign.

A ninth team title would be Mercedes' first since 2021, when they capped off a dominant run of eight consecutive crowns. However, the constructors' battle cannot be concluded this weekend at the United States Grand Prix, regardless of what unfolds in Austin.

With no sprint races scheduled across the final six race weekends, the maximum points haul remaining this season is 258. Each team can score a maximum of 43 points per weekend courtesy of a one-two finish.

Even if Kimi Antonelli and George Russell claim a one-two finish in Austin while Ferrari fail to score, Mercedes' advantage would stretch to 177 points. That still would not be enough to seal the crown early, as 215 points will remain available across the final five rounds.

Mercedes' earliest opportunity to secure the championship will therefore come at the Mexican Grand Prix on November 1. Following the race in Mexico City, just 172 points will remain in play, meaning the Silver Arrows must establish an unassailable margin over Ferrari by then.

To achieve this, Mercedes must expand their current lead by at least 38 points across the United States and Mexican Grands Prix. Even with a perfect haul in Austin (43 points to Ferrari's zero), they would still need to prevent the Scuderia from cutting into the deficit on Mexican soil.

Mercedes have outscored Ferrari by an average of 7.6 points per race this season. If that trend continues, the Constructors' Championship will likely be decided at the São Paulo Grand Prix on November 8, when just 129 points will remain up for grabs.

While Mercedes must wait until at least Mexico, 20-year-old Kimi Antonelli could wrap up the Drivers' World Championship this weekend at the United States Grand Prix.

The Italian leads teammate George Russell by 102 points, with Lewis Hamilton trailing the Briton by a further nine. With 150 points available across the final six rounds, Antonelli has a realistic shot at sealing the title in Austin.

To become world champion this weekend, the young prodigy must win the race, while Russell finishes ninth or lower and Hamilton places no higher than fifth. If those stars align, Antonelli will make history as Formula 1's youngest world champion, breaking Sebastian Vettel's record set in 2010.