Kimi Antonelli capitalized on Lando Norris’ misfortunes to secure victory at the Spanish Grand Prix in Formula 1’s comeback to Madrid on Sunday, extending his lead in the drivers’ championship race.
This triumph marked Antonelli’s second consecutive win, following his impressive come-from-behind victory at the Italian GP in front of a home crowd just a week ago.
Initially running in second place at the new Madring track in the Spanish capital, Antonelli saw pole-sitter Norris lose his lead as he failed to pit during a virtual safety car period. A questionable strategy call by McLaren led to Norris pitting on the subsequent lap, causing him to drop positions.
Expressing gratitude for the virtual safety car intervention, Antonelli commiserated with Norris over team radio post-race, acknowledging his strong performance and encouraging continued effort.
Norris finished third, trailing Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in second place.
Reflecting on the race, Norris admitted defeat gracefully, attributing the outcome to luck not being on their side. Despite feeling deserving of a better result, he congratulated Antonelli and Verstappen on their impressive driving.
Charles Leclerc, who opted not to pit during the virtual safety car period and led most of the race, settled for fourth place after a late tire change.
The Spanish GP made a nostalgic return to the Madrid region after a 45-year hiatus, last held at the Jarama circuit in the city’s outskirts in 1981.
Antonelli clinched his eighth victory of the season, further solidifying his position at the top of the drivers’ standings. He now leads his teammate George Russell by a significant 81-point margin with nine races left in the season.