2026 Spanish GP: VSC swings win to Antonelli

Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix for Mercedes after a Virtual Safety Car hurt Lando Norris, who finished third behind Max Verstappen.

Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix for Mercedes, with Max Verstappen second and Lando Norris third. Formula1.com, BBC Sport, Autosport and Motorsport.com all reported that the timing of a Virtual Safety Car hurt Norris, while qualifying reports from Motorsport.com and RaceFans said the McLaren driver had started from pole.

Formula1.com said the victory was Antonelli’s eighth of the 2026 season, and RaceFans reported that it increased his lead in the drivers’ championship to 81 points. Antonelli came into the weekend first in the standings on 267 points, with Norris fourth on 171 and Verstappen sixth on 127.

After the race, Formula1.com and RaceFans reported that Antonelli said the result felt bittersweet because Norris deserved the win. Formula1.com also reported that Norris believed he should have won before the VSC changed the race.