Antonelli Conquers Madrid and Tightens His Grip on the Championship
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid's new Madring circuit on 13 September 2026, ahead of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. It was his eighth win of the season and stretched his championship lead over George Russell to 81 points.
By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 14 September 2026 · 4-minute read
In Italy, "GP di Spagna 2026" was one of the biggest breakout searches on Google Trends this weekend, as fans followed the young Italian's latest victory.
Podium
- 1st: Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- 2nd: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- 3rd: Lando Norris (McLaren)
How the Race Was Won
Antonelli controlled the race at the brand-new Madrid circuit, and a Virtual Safety Car period played into his hands strategically. Verstappen and Norris applied pressure but could not find a way past.
A New Home for the Spanish Grand Prix
The 2026 race was the first Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madrid circuit, nicknamed the "Madring". Bringing Formula 1 to the capital gives the sport a major new showcase that is easy to reach for millions of fans.
The Championship Picture
- Antonelli's wins in 2026: 8.
- Lead over team-mate George Russell: 81 points.
- Races remaining: 9.
A lead of that size with nine races left puts Antonelli in a very strong position, though a race win is worth 25 points, so the title is not yet decided.
How Formula 1 Points Work
Points go to the top ten finishers in each Grand Prix: 25 for a win, then 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1. Consistent podiums add up quickly, which is why a driver who wins often and finishes near the front on difficult weekends can build a commanding lead.
Other Stories From Madrid
New Zealand's Liam Lawson finished sixth — his best result as a Red Bull driver — to set a new national points record. Read the full story.
Why Antonelli's Season Stands Out
Consistency. Eight wins shows he can deliver across very different circuits.
For Italy, his success has created a new wave of excitement about Formula 1 in a country with a deep motorsport history.
What's Next
The remaining nine rounds will decide whether Antonelli can close out his first world title. Keep an eye on the gap to Russell after each race — if it grows beyond the points still available, the championship is decided.
More Italian Sport and Culture
Italy's volleyball team is unbeaten at EuroVolley, and X Factor Italia has returned for its 20th edition.
Related reading
- Liam Lawson Sets a New Zealand F1 Points Record With Sixth in Madrid
- India Win the Women's Asia Cup 2026 for a Record Eighth Title
- Enric Mas Wins La Vuelta 2026: Final Standings and a Long-Awaited Victory
- Brazil Women Win South American Volleyball Title and Book a Place at LA28
Sources
- "Antonelli clinches victory over Verstappen and Norris in Spanish Grand Prix," Formula 1 — formula1.com
- "2026 Spanish Grand Prix race result," Formula 1 — formula1.com
- "F1 results today: 2026 Spanish Grand Prix positions and times," GPFans — gpfans.com
- "F1 standings and results after the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix," Sports Illustrated — si.com
