2026 Spanish Grand Prix: Recap

Madrid welcomed back Formula 1 for the first time in 45 years at the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix. The Madring provided a new challenge for the drivers and delivered an eventful weekend. The top three in the lineup included Lando Norris (McLaren) in P1, Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) in P2, and Max Verstappen (Red Bull) in P3. At the race start, Norris managed to stay ahead until Antonelli bailed off the track, taking P1. Since it was not a legal overtake, Antonelli gave the position back. He went off the track once more on Turn 5.

Verstappen went out of line as well and passed Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) for P2. He later stated he felt like he had to, to avoid contact with Hamilton. “Max has to give the position back,” said Hamilton. Mercedes told Verstappen to do so, and he eventually relented. Shortly after, Hamilton reported brake failure and slowed his pace, which allowed Verstappen to pass again on lap 5. Hamilton went into the pits after barely being able to stop his car and retired from the race.

Liam Lawson (Red Bull) moved to P6 after battling with Franco Colapinto (Alpine). George Russell (Mercedes) was stuck behind a slower Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) as they battled for P4. By lap 14, the top three had maintained their positions with Leclerc and Russell just behind.

On lap 15, a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) was called for Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) after he slid into a turn, unable to turn his car around and rejoin the race. With good timing, Antonelli and Verstappen made it into the pits, but Norris had already passed the entrance. He managed to get in at the last second, but the VSC ended. He had an abnormally long stop and lost crucial time. Leclerc stayed out and was in P1. Norris lost positions, dropping to P6, and at that point it was not looking good for the McLaren. Trying to make up any time, McLaren voiced to Norris, “If you have some pace, we think you should use it.” Norris responded, “I have pace zero.” Norris was the fastest driver out on the track, but due to the unfortunate timing, he could not make up the positions.

Leclerc in P1 was hanging on to his position as he hoped for something to happen out on the track; without it, he knew he was not going to win. With less than ten laps to go, he finally took his pit stop.
Antonelli took the lead with Verstappen and Norris behind. Leclerc came out of the pits in P4. On the final lap, Antonelli secured the win with Verstappen remaining in P2 and Norris in P3. Leclerc, Russell, and Lawson came in next. Ending out the points was Nico Hülkenberg (Audi).
Antonelli became the first winner at Madring! Mercedes said, “Beautiful work, Kimi, absolute masterpiece.” He responded, “Lucky for the safety car, feel a bit bad for Lando…”

In the post-race interview, Antonelli commented, “It’s great today, the win, but of course, I think Lando deserved it today.” Norris also commented, “The others were very fortunate today, or I was just unfortunate… I feel like I did everything right this weekend.”

Following the Grand Prix, there was some criticism over the lack of overtaking opportunities. It has been reported that there will be track revisions for the 2027 race. Heading into Baku this weekend, expect to see Isack Hadjar make his return with Red Bull after recovering from his injury. Tune into the next race, the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, this Saturday, September 26 with East Bay F1! More details are available here.