Antonelli wins the Spanish Grand Prix for Mercedes

Kimi Antonelli moved a mighty step closer to the Formula One title on Sunday after winning the first Spanish Grand Prix held at Madrid’s new circuit with a slice of luck on the side.

The 20-year-old Italian’s Madring victory, his eighth win of the season, stretched his championship lead to 81 points after 14 rounds.

Antonelli benefited from a well-timed virtual safety car (VSC) and a calamitous McLaren pit stop on lap 16 of 57 that robbed pole-sitter and early leader Lando Norris of a likely win on a track where overtaking proved almost impossible.

“I think today it’s good to win but it doesn’t feel as good because I think Lando today deserved the win but overall, we take it,” said Antonelli.

KING of the MADRING #F1 #SpanishGP pic.twitter.com/TFatXIi4qn — Formula 1 (@F1) September 13, 2026 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was second with Norris third.

Antonelli now has 292 points to closest rival and teammate George Russell, who finished fifth, on 211.

“There was nothing I could do… just luck not on our side,” said Norris.

“I felt like we deserved it today but that’s racing sometimes.

“I feel like I drove a perfect race today, just luck wasn’t with me.” Onto the podium for our Top Three in Madrid! 1.

Antonelli 2.

Verstappen 3.

Norris #F1 #SpanishGP pic.twitter.com/4LbpL0BCW0 — Formula 1 (@F1) September 13, 2026 OPENING BATTLE FOR POSITION Antonelli twice had to give the lead back to Norris on the opening lap after going off and gaining advantage in a battle through the opening corners but the Briton then settled into a rhythm and began to pull away.

Verstappen also gained a place that he had to hand back to Antonelli and lost and gained position to Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who then suffered a brake problem that eventually forced the seven-time world champion to retire.

Norris was more than six seconds clear with everything seemingly under control when Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll triggered the VSC by stopping on track on lap 14.