Antonelli Becomes Madring's First F1 Winner
Kimi Antonelli has made Formula 1 history by winning the first Spanish Grand Prix held at Madrid's new Madring circuit.
The Mercedes driver claimed his eighth victory of the 2026 season, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris to extend his championship advantage.
First F1 race at Madring. First winner: Kimi Antonelli.
VSC Turns Norris Victory Into Heartbreak
Norris had looked in control after starting from pole and building a lead of more than six seconds.
But a late Virtual Safety Car changed everything. Antonelli was able to make a cheaper pit stop under the VSC, while Norris missed the optimal window and ultimately dropped behind both Antonelli and Verstappen. He recovered to finish third.
Norris later described the outcome as “insanely unlucky.”
Antonelli Extends His Championship Lead
The victory continues Antonelli's remarkable run after his P19-to-P1 triumph at Monza one week earlier.
The 20-year-old now leads Mercedes team-mate George Russell by 81 points after 14 rounds, strengthening his position as the clear championship favourite.
For Winbox Racing, Madring may not have produced the chaos many expected, but one perfectly timed VSC was enough to transform the race.
Norris had the pace. Antonelli got the opportunity.
And history will remember Kimi Antonelli as Madring's first Formula 1 winner.
For more Formula 1, MotoGP and motorsport news, follow Winbox Racing. @wbrmy_official
Powered by Winbox.