
Image Credit: @esquiremx on Instagram
Image Credit: @esquiremx on Instagram
Sep 15, 2026, 6:38 AM CUT
Kimi Antonelli Holds Off Verstappen and Norris to Claim a Stunning Spanish GP Victory
Kimi Antonelli takes eighth win of season, after victory in first Spanish GP held at Madring Antonelli beats Verstappen by 4.351s to become first-ever winner of Spanish GP at Madring Motor-racing Just one week after, Antonio Giovinazzi was victorious at the first Spanish GP in Barcelona, Kimi Antonelli has completed an incredible double in the rich history of the series. Kimi Antonelli takes eighth win of season, after victory in first Spanish GP held at Madring Antonelli was aided by the timing of the Virtual Safety Car on lap 15, as the previously leading Lando Norris had just crossed the pit-lane entrance. Norris eventually had to make do with third position behind a slow pitstop, after which he rejoined behind Max Verstappen.
Antonelli wins, 4.351 sec ahead of Verstappen Norris completes podium Hamilton forced to retire through braking failure Polesitter Norris led initially, as Antonelli flew round two hairpin corners off the line, before establishing a steady cushion out front.
However, he was caught out by the Virtual Safety Car, announced just as he crossed the pit-lane entrance. Both Antonelli and Verstappen pitted for fresher tyres, as Norris had to complete another lap before making his stop. His pitstop was also slow, which forced him to resume behind both of his rivals. Antonelli in fact moved up into the lead for free as the others pitted, after Charles Leclerc made his stop on lap 48.
By then both competitors had closed up behind him, even with Overtake Mode on; but the tricky turning track made overtaking tough.
In the end Antonelli won comfortably in the end, crossing the line some 4.351 seconds ahead of Verstappen, while Norris was left to settle for the final spot on the rostrum. "It was a very difficult race, not straightforward at all, especially trying to manage tyres. It is good to win, but it doesn't feel as good because I think Lando today deserved to win", said Antonelli after climbing out of his car, "It's good to win, but it doesn't feel as good because I think Lando today deserved to win."
Leclerc slipped down to fourth ahead of George Russell. Early leader Hamilton was racing well, but retired when suffering a braking problem. Liam Lawson came home P6 for Red Bull, ahead of Franco Colapinto (Alpine) in P7 and Oscar Piastri (McLaren) in P8.
Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) and Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) were ninth and tenth respectively.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMCqJ_Nz9wJ/">Image Credit: @this.isformula1 on Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMCqJ_Nz9wJ/">Image Credit: @this.isformula1 on Instagram</a>
Antonelli now holds an 81 point lead over teammate Russell after the race. Despite his retiring, Hamilton maintains third overall, 20 points in front of Russell. Norris has moved up to fourth overall, just five points behind Hamilton.
Written by
Tanu