Formula 1’s first race at Madrid’s new Madring circuit delivered a dramatic afternoon, although the biggest talking point was not an on-track overtake. Before the race, we looked at everything fans needed to know about Madrid’s new circuit, including its unique layout, La Monumental and the drivers to watch.
Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli claimed victory in the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid on Sunday, taking his eighth win of the 2026 season and extending his championship lead to 81 points over teammate George Russell.
Max Verstappen finished second for Red Bull, while Lando Norris completed the podium for McLaren after starting the race from pole position.
The result was shaped heavily by strategy, particularly a Virtual Safety Car period that arrived at exactly the wrong moment for Norris.
Antonelli Takes Advantage of the VSC
Antonelli started second alongside Norris and initially struggled to find a way past the McLaren.
After some early battles, Norris settled into the lead and began building a comfortable advantage. Antonelli remained second, but the race changed dramatically on Lap 15.
A Virtual Safety Car was deployed after Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin ended up in the run-off area.
The timing was perfect for Antonelli and Verstappen, who were able to enter the pits while the VSC was active. Norris had already passed the pit-lane entry when the VSC began, meaning he could not immediately take advantage of the cheaper pit stop.
By the time Norris came into the pits, the VSC period had ended. A slow pit stop then made his situation even worse, dropping him down the order.
Antonelli suddenly found himself in control of the race without having to overtake Norris for the lead.
Norris Believes He Deserved the Victory
For Norris, the result was particularly painful.
The reigning world champion had started from pole after producing the fastest qualifying lap on Saturday, beating Antonelli by just 0.011 seconds.
He then appeared to have the stronger race pace and had built a significant advantage before the VSC changed everything.
Norris eventually fought his way back onto the podium, but he could not catch Verstappen for second place.
After the race, the McLaren driver said he believed he had done enough to win and felt that the result had been taken away by circumstances rather than a lack of pace.
Even Antonelli admitted that Norris deserved the win, describing his own victory as fortunate because of the timing of the VSC.
Verstappen Keeps Norris Behind
Max Verstappen quietly produced one of the strongest drives of the afternoon.
The Red Bull driver started third and eventually finished second, taking advantage of the same VSC window that helped Antonelli.
Verstappen then had to defend his position from a charging Norris during the closing stages.
The reigning world champion in Madrid may have been disappointed not to win, but the result gave him another podium and another strong points haul. Formula 1 fans also voted Verstappen as their Driver of the Day.
His second-place finish also showed that Red Bull had competitive race pace around the new Madring circuit.
Charles Leclerc Completes the Top Four
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished fourth after briefly leading the race later in the afternoon.
Unlike Antonelli and Verstappen, Leclerc did not pit during the early VSC period. He therefore inherited the lead for a time, but his strategy eventually forced him to make his mandatory stop.
After returning to the track, he settled for fourth behind Norris.
George Russell finished fifth for Mercedes, followed by Liam Lawson, Franco Colapinto, Oscar Piastri, Arvid Lindblad and Nico Hülkenberg.
A Difficult Home Race for Alonso and Sainz
Madrid’s first Formula 1 race was supposed to be a celebration for Spanish drivers Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz.
Instead, both had difficult afternoons.
Alonso finished 17th for Aston Martin, while Sainz failed to finish the race after an incident involving his fellow Spaniard.
The two drivers made contact while fighting for position, with Sainz being penalised five seconds for the incident. Alonso suffered damage that affected his race, while Sainz eventually retired.
It was an unfortunate ending to what had otherwise been a hugely anticipated home weekend for both drivers.
Alonso later reflected on how special the Madrid event had been despite his disappointing result, while Sainz praised the organisation of the new Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton Retires Early
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton had an even more frustrating afternoon.
Hamilton started fourth but retired after just six laps because of a brake problem.
His retirement meant Ferrari had only one car finish in the top four, with Leclerc taking fourth.
For Hamilton, it was another disappointing result in a championship season that has become increasingly difficult.
Was the Madring Good Enough?
The biggest debate after the race may not be about the winner.
Instead, much of the discussion has focused on the new Madring circuit itself.
The venue looked impressive throughout the weekend and provided a spectacular setting for Madrid’s F1 debut. However, the race produced very few opportunities for overtaking.
Drivers, including Norris and Verstappen, criticised parts of the circuit after the race, with concerns that some sections make it too difficult for cars to race closely.
That is particularly important because Madrid has signed a long-term agreement to host Formula 1.
If overtaking remains difficult, organisers and the FIA may eventually have to consider changes to parts of the layout.
Antonelli’s Championship Lead Keeps Growing
The biggest winner from Madrid was undoubtedly Antonelli.
His victory was his eighth of the 2026 season, and he now leads teammate Russell by 81 points after 14 rounds.
The 20-year-old Mercedes driver has now won the last two Grands Prix, following his victory at Monza.
With nine races still remaining, the championship is not over. But Antonelli is increasingly looking like the driver to beat.
Mercedes also strengthened its position in the Constructors’ Championship, with Russell finishing fifth behind his teammate.
Madrid’s first Formula 1 race may not have produced the wheel-to-wheel battle many fans expected, but it certainly produced a memorable story.
Antonelli became the first F1 winner at the Madring, Verstappen secured second, and Norris had to settle for third after a race that appeared to be under his control.
The VSC transformed the strategy, Ferrari experienced mixed fortunes, Hamilton retired early, and Spain’s two home drivers endured a difficult afternoon.
The race also raised important questions about the Madring’s design and whether it can produce better racing in future editions.
For Antonelli, however, those questions matter much less.
He leaves Madrid with another victory and an increasingly comfortable championship advantage as Formula 1 heads toward the next stage of the 2026 season.