MERCEDES Kimi Antonelli took his eighth win of the season at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, as F1 returned to the Spanish capital for the first time in 45 years.

The 20-year-old Italian, who now leads the Drivers’ championship by 81 points, took the chequered flag at the Madring after a controversial race, in which the UK’s Lando Norris was denied victory by a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) decision.

McLaren’s Norris was running well clear of the pack when Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll retired with brake failure.

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The ensuing VSC period came into effect only after Norris had passed the pitlane, allowing every other driver to pit while track speed limits were in place, effectively gaining 11 seconds advantage.

4-time champion Max Verstappen came in second, as Norris could only manage third place.

It was a bitter pill for Norris, after dominant qualifying session secured him pole position.

Overtaking on track was scarce, with the undulating layout and punishing lack of run-off areas meaning that drivers were averse to taking chances.

To make matters worse for the home following, Spaniards Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz both endured torrid races.

After the race completed, several of the drivers were scathing in their assessment of the weekend.

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RB Racing’s Arvid Lindblad concluded that it “wasn’t the most exciting race,”

Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto was asked whether it was as boring for drivers as for viewers.

“Yeah, I almost fell asleep as well,” he replied.

Fine margins ? The crucial seconds which made all the difference for Lando and Kimi! ? #F1 #SpanishGP https://t.co/naQ1t2ow70

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 13, 2026

The Madring has signed a 10-year deal to host the Spanish Grand Prix, but when the series returns next year, it may be to a different layout.

Several uncompetitive tracks have been revised in recent years in an attempt to promote more exciting racing.

“I don’t know how someone looks at this design and goes, ‘mint!'” said McLaren’s Lando Norris in the post-race press conference.

F1 news outlet The Race has alleged that designers are already planning changes to Turn 5/6, 13 and 20, which organisers hope will make the 2027 race more competitive.

Despite questions around entertainment, the Madring saw a capacity crowd of 110,000, with celebrities from across Spain in attendance.

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