Kimi Antonelli Wins Spanish Grand Prix After Virtual Safety Car Deters Lando Norris's Lead
Kimi Antonelli's victory at the Madring circuit extends his Formula 1 championship lead, putting him 81 points clear of George Russell.
The story
The inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid's Madring circuit saw Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli claim victory, though it was a race heavily influenced by strategy and an ill-timed Virtual Safety Car (VSC). Pole-sitter Lando Norris initially controlled the race, demonstrating strong pace.
However, his hopes for a win evaporated when Lance Stroll crashed on lap 14, triggering a VSC. Norris had just passed the pit entry, forcing him to complete a slow lap at reduced speed before he could pit.
This unfortunate timing allowed Antonelli, who pitted immediately under the VSC, to gain the net lead. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, opting not to pit during the VSC, briefly led the race but eventually dropped back after his much later stop.
Max Verstappen secured second place for Red Bull, while Norris recovered to finish third for McLaren. Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton retired early on lap seven due to brake issues, ending his race prematurely.
On the podium
| Position | Driver | Team | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team | N/A |
| 2 | Max Verstappen | Oracle Red Bull Racing | +4.3s |
| 3 | Lando Norris | McLaren Mastercard F1 Team | +5.0s |
Key moments
1. Max Verstappen cut Turn 1 after tangling with Lewis Hamilton, later giving the place back.
7. Lewis Hamilton retired from the race due to brake issues.
14. A Virtual Safety Car was deployed after Lance Stroll crashed, crucially impacting Lando Norris's lead as he missed the pit entry.
48. Charles Leclerc, who had stayed out during the VSC, made his pit stop, handing the lead back to Kimi Antonelli.
Championship
| Pos | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team | 292 |
| 2 | George Russell | Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team | 211 |
| 3 | Lewis Hamilton | Scuderia Ferrari HP | 191 |
| 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren Mastercard F1 Team | 186 |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc | Scuderia Ferrari HP | 167 |
Next race
The Formula 1 calendar moves to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, held at the Baku City Circuit from September 24-26. This street circuit event will be the 15th round of the 2026 season.
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