Antonelli Targets the Double as Mercedes Chase Constructors' Crown in Brazil

Kimi Antonelli has barely had time to celebrate becoming Formula 1 world champion, and already there is another title to chase. Five days after sealing the drivers' crown, the 20-year-old arrives at Interlagos for the São Paulo Grand Prix with Mercedes on the verge of the constructors' championship. The Silver Arrows need only to outscore Ferrari by three points or more this weekend to complete the double. Antonelli's title made him the youngest champion in the sport's history and the first Italian winner for 73 years, and he will be bidding for a tenth win of a remarkable season. His teammate George Russell has his own score to settle: winless in four races since dominating from pole in Baku, the Briton won at Interlagos in 2022 and will want to end his drought on a track he loves. Both Mercedes drivers will face a stern challenge from Max Verstappen. The four-time champion has won three of the last four races and arrives in Brazil in ominous form. Ferrari, meanwhile, will be without Charles Leclerc for first practice after the birth of his daughter Bianca, with reserve driver Dino Beganovic stepping in alongside Lewis Hamilton, a three-time Interlagos winner. The weekend also brings a home debut for 21-year-old Rafael Camara, who replaces Esteban Ocon at Haas for his first Grand Prix in front of his own fans, making it two Brazilians on the Interlagos grid for the first time since 2016.