F1 leader Antonelli wins Spanish Grand Prix as unlucky Norris misses out

What the report says

Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli won the first Spanish Grand Prix held at Madrid’s new circuit, giving the 20-year-old Italian a stronger grip on the Formula One championship lead. Reporting from Al Jazeera, based on Reuters, said the victory was Antonelli’s eighth of the season and lifted his points advantage to 81 after 14 rounds. The result also moved him to 292 points, well ahead of teammate George Russell, who finished fifth.

The race turned after a virtual safety car was triggered by Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll stopping on track on lap 14. Antonelli, Max Verstappen and Russell were able to pit cheaply, while McLaren’s Lando Norris lost time and track position after missing the ideal pit window. Norris had led comfortably before the setback and later finished third, behind Verstappen, who took second.

Antonelli said the outcome felt less satisfying because he believed Norris had deserved the win, while Norris said luck was not on his side despite what he described as a strong drive. Lewis Hamilton retired after a brake problem, and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished fourth. The race mattered because it widened Antonelli’s title margin and underscored how pit strategy and safety-car timing can decide modern Formula One contests, especially on a circuit where overtaking was difficult.