2026 Spanish Grand Prix: VSC timing costs Norris

Andrea Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix after virtual safety car timing hurt polesitter Lando Norris, who stayed fourth on 186 points.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix after virtual safety car timing went against Lando Norris. BBC Sport and Autosport both reported that Norris lost out in the pit-stop sequence, and BBC Sport said the McLaren driver described himself as "insanely unlucky" after the race.

Autosport reported that Norris had taken pole position at Madring by 0.011s from Antonelli, then pulled clear in the opening phase before pitting after the virtual safety car. BBC Sport and Autosport both said that sequence cost Norris the win, while Antonelli left the weekend leading the drivers' championship on 292 points; Norris remained fourth on 186.

The victory added to Antonelli's early Formula 1 record. The Mercedes driver now has five wins and five poles from 33 entries, while Mercedes' all-time total stands at 138 wins across 19 seasons.