2026 F1: Antonelli fends off Verstappen, Norris to win Spanish GP

Kimi Antonelli secured this eighth victory of the season, after winning the first-ever Spanish GP held at Madring. 

The Mercedes driver benefitted from the timing of the Virtual Safety Car on Lap 15, as then-leader Lando Norris has just passed the pit lane entrance. After a slow pitstop, Norris had to settle for third place, behind Max Verstappen.

1. Antonelli wins, 4.351 sec ahead of Verstappen
2. Norris completes podium
3. Hamilton retires due braking issues

Antonelli wins at Madrid

VSC costs Norris 

Polesitter Norris initially held the lead, as Antonelli cut two corners at the start. The McLaren driver built a fairly comfortable gap out front, but was caught out by the Virtual Safety Car that was called out just as he passed the pit lane entrance. Behind him, Both Antonelli and Verstappen capitalised on the situation and pitted for fresher tyres.

Norris, meanwhile, had to complete an additional lap before pitting. A slow stop then dropped him to P5, behind both Antonelli and Verstappen. Antonelli eventually inherited the lead after Charles Leclerc took his pit stop on Lap 48. By this point, both Verstappen and Norris were close behind and even had Overtake Mode, but Madring proved to be a difficult track to pass on.

Antonelli ultimately crossed the chequered flag 4.351 sec clear of Verstappen, while Norris had to settle for third place. "It was a very difficult race, not straightforward at all, especially trying to manage tyres. It’s good to win, but it doesn’t feel as good because I think Lando today deserved to win,” Antonelli admitted after the race, “It’s good to win, but it doesn’t feel as good because I think Lando today deserved to win.”

Leclerc ended up finishing fourth, ahead of George Russell. His Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton initially made a strong start, but had to retire early on after suffering a braking issue.

Liam Lawson finished P6 for Red Bull, followed by Alpine’s Franco Colapinto in P7 and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in P8. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) and Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) rounded out the top 10.

2026 F1 championship standings

Antonelli has extended his championship lead to 81 points from teammate Russell. Despite his retirement, Hamilton still holds on to third place overall, 20 points behind Russell. But Norris has gained some ground and is now just five points behind the Ferrari driver.

F1 will now head to Baku for the Azerbaijan GP on September 24-26.

2026 F1 Spanish GP results