Kimi Antonelli Triumphs Again in Madrid and Extends His Lead at the Top of the World Championship

After Monza, another victory for Kimi Antonelli, who triumphed in the Spanish Grand Prix, held on the revamped Madrid street circuit following the long era of Montmelò, near Barcelona.

The Mercedes driver took advantage of a Virtual Safety Car (triggered by Lance Stroll running off the track) to outmaneuver Lando Norris, who remained on the track while in the lead—unlike all his pursuers, who benefited from a tire change.

The only driver to stay out in an attempt at a nearly impossible comeback was Charles Leclerc, who had led the race for much of the time.

The Monegasque Ferrari driver would have needed another Virtual Safety Car or a red flag to at least fight for a podium finish until the very end, but in the closing stages he had to pit, leaving the way clear for Antonelli, as well as Verstappen and Norris, who finished second and third, respectively. George Russell had a poor race; he was never in contention for the top positions and fell even further behind his teammate, who now leads him by 81 points in the title race.

Also worth noting is Lewis Hamilton’s first extremely unfortunate retirement of the year; due to a brake problem, he was forced to throw in the towel early in the race.