Kimi Antonelli Wins Spanish GP, Extends Championship Lead

Kimi Antonelli secured his eighth Grand Prix win of the 2026 season at the Spanish Grand Prix, beating Max Verstappen and Lando Norris in a race where strategy played a major role. The Mercedes driver has now extended his lead in the Drivers’ Championship to 81 points.

Norris started from pole and held the lead early on, but a Virtual Safety Car changed the race. Mercedes managed to bring Antonelli into the pits at the right moment, while Norris was left to recover after missing the opportunity and suffering a slow pit stop.

Antonelli Takes Control

Antonelli put early pressure on Norris but ran wide twice while trying to pass. Verstappen briefly moved into second before being told to give the position back following the opening-lap incident.

Hamilton’s race ended after just seven laps due to brake problems, while Verstappen eventually settled behind Antonelli.

The key moment came when Lance Stroll stopped with a suspected brake issue, bringing out the Virtual Safety Car.

• Antonelli pitted during the VSC
• Verstappen also stopped
• Norris missed the chance to pit
• A slow 7-second pit stop dropped Norris further back
• Charles Leclerc stayed out and took the lead temporarily

Leclerc eventually pitted at the end of Lap 48, putting Antonelli back into the lead.

Verstappen Holds Off Norris

The final laps saw Verstappen and Norris fight for second. Norris came close after Verstappen ran wide at Turn 5, but the McLaren driver could not complete the move.

Antonelli crossed the line 4.351 seconds ahead of Verstappen, with Norris finishing a further 0.738 seconds behind.

Four Retirements

There were four retirements in total. Hamilton and Stroll both suffered brake-related problems, while Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez also failed to finish due to separate issues.

Liam Lawson finished sixth for Red Bull, followed by Franco Colapinto and Oscar Piastri. Arvid Lindblad and Nico Hulkenberg completed the top 10.

Also read: https://fly-wheel.com/jsw-motors-first-suv-to-be-called-combat-launch-expected-this-festive-season/

Final Take

Antonelli continues to build a strong championship campaign, with eight wins already this season. Mercedes made the crucial strategy call during the Virtual Safety Car, while Norris lost valuable ground through the timing of his stop and the slow tyre change. Verstappen kept second, but Antonelli once again had enough pace and strategy on his side to take the win.