2026 Spanish Grand Prix Review – By Joe Murphy
Kimi Antonelli was yet again victorious as his quest for a maiden World Champion took another positive step. Max Verstappen took second for his 133rd podium finish, just about holding off Pole sitter Lando Norris who had to settle for third (his 49th podium) after an unfortunately timed Virtual Safety Car.
The start saw Lando take control and the championship leader actually lose ground. However, Lance Stroll changed the shape of the race when he ran off after less than half the race. The VSC was called no sooner than Lando Norris had passed the pit entrance. Antonelli and Verstappen were among those to take advantage. By the time Lando had got back around, by the time he emerged from the pit exit the green flag had been waving for over 20 seconds and saw the former leader slip down for 5th.
Charles Leclerc lead most of this race and hoped another incident would rear its head, but to no avail. The Ferrari man pitted with only a dozen laps to go and managed to claim P4, narrowly ahead of George Russell.
The other Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton had been an early retiree following a break issue. It was also an unfortunate race for Oscar Piastri as he was forced to do the majority of the race with a faulty front wing, which annoyed the Australian over team radio.
Whilst Perez and Sainz also retired, there was good news for Alpine in their mission to catch Visa RB as Franco Colapinto registered his best ever finish in seventh, only behind the front runners and Liam Lawson who departs Red Bull with his head held high following a strong temporary showing.
Azerbaijan next in a little under two weeks as an Italian World Champion becomes an ever more probably possibility.
WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 