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09/13/26 10:04:00
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09/13 10:02 CDT Antonelli wins 1st Formula 1 race in Madrid in 45 years after
unlucky break for pole-sitter Norris
Antonelli wins 1st Formula 1 race in Madrid in 45 years after unlucky break for
pole-sitter Norris
By TALES AZZONI
AP Sports Writer
MADRID (AP) --- Kimi Antonelli took advantage of Lando Norris' mishaps to win
the Spanish Grand Prix in Formula 1 's return to Madrid on Sunday, increasing
his lead in the drivers' standings.
It was the second consecutive victory for Antonelli, the young Mercedes driver
who had come-from-behind to win his home race at the Italian GP last weekend.
Antonelli was second early on at the new Madring track in the Spanish capital,
but pole-sitter Norris relinquished his lead after he wasn't able to pit when a
virtual safety car was deployed. He pitted on the next lap in a questionable
strategy call by McLaren that dropped him a few positions.
"Lucky for the virtual safety car, feel a bit bad for Lando," Antonelli said on
the radio after the race. "Really strong race, strong weekend, let's keep
pushing."
Norris ended third, behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
"There was nothing I could do. Congrats to Kimi and Max, they drove a good race
today," Norris said. "Just luck not on our side. Rough race, one that just got
away from us. I thought we deserved it today."
Charles Leclerc, who led most of the race after opting not to pit when the
virtual safety car was deployed, ended fourth after having to change tires late.
The Spanish GP returned to the Madrid region for the first time in 45 years. It
last took place at the Jarama circuit in the capital's outskirts in 1981.
It was the eighth race win this season for Antonelli, who now leads teammate
George Russell by 81 points with nine races remaining.
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