Kimi Antonelli strengthened his Formula 1 championship ambitions with a commanding victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, beating Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris in a race decided by strategy.

Norris started from pole and maintained the lead during the opening laps, while Antonelli launched an aggressive attack for the top position. The Mercedes driver twice cut corners during his attempts to pass the McLaren, but ultimately did not need to complete the move on track.

A Virtual Safety Car provided the decisive moment. Mercedes capitalised with a perfectly timed pit stop, allowing Antonelli to gain the net lead, while a slow stop for Norris dropped him behind both Antonelli and Verstappen.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc temporarily inherited first place by staying out during the VSC, but eventually pitted on Lap 48, handing the lead back to Antonelli.

Despite reporting concerns with his steering, the 20-year-old held his advantage to claim his eighth victory of the season. The result extended his championship lead to 81 points, further strengthening his position as the title favourite.

George Russell finished fifth for Mercedes, while Liam Lawson took sixth for Red Bull. Franco Colapinto scored for Alpine in seventh, ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.

Lewis Hamilton retired early with brake problems, while Carlos Sainz, Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll were also among the four retirements.

2026 Spanish Grand Prix: Race Results

Retirements: Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz, Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll. 

Antonelli’s victory was his eighth of 2026, extending his championship advantage to 81 points.