Bologna, September 13, 2026 – A road paved with successes for Kimi Antonelli. After moving all of Italy by bringing an Italian back to the podium of the Italian Grand Prix in Monza just a week ago; today the triumph in Madrid. Victories that are starting to be numerous and that crown the great talent of this 20-year-old driver.
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“It was a very difficult race, not straightforward. I tried to manage the tires, it’s always nice to win but today the victory was deserved by Lando (Norris, disadvantaged by a Virtual safety car while leading, ed.)”, commented the young Bolognese. “With the hard tire at the end, we kept pushing. It was an incredible weekend, we can’t wait to come back“.
With the victory in the Spanish Grand Prix, the twenty-year-old Bolognese extends further in the drivers’ standings, reaching 292 points, with a lead of 81 points over teammate Russell, who rises to 211. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton remains stuck at 191.
“I have to keep pushing race after race trying to do my best, then we’ll see what the result will be at the end of the year without thinking about the standings”, comments Antonelli.
Cautious attitude also from the team principal of Mercedes Toto Wolff: “Antonelli has taken another step, we are very happy. The celebration, however, will be when there is mathematical certainty. We must keep our feet on the ground and stay focused on the work,” warns the German.
La Russa (Aci): “Another page of history”
“The eighth seasonal victory of Antonelli on the new Madring track is another page of history for Italian motorsport. After the triumph in Monza, in front of the home crowd, Kimi repeats himself on a very difficult track managing the race with incredible maturity for a 20-year-old boy.” Thus the president of the Automobile Club of Italy, Geronimo La Russa, comments on the outcome of the Madrid Grand Prix. “This latest success – he adds – makes us proud. Because when an Italian wins in F1, Italy that loves motorsports wins.”
The finishing order
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Liam Lawson (Red Bull)
- Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)
- Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)
- Esteban Ocon (Haas)
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)
- Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls)
- Alexander Albon (Williams)
- Oliver Bearman (Haas)
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
- Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac)
Retired
Carlos Sainz (Williams)
Sergio Perez (Cadillac)
Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
The drivers’ standings
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) 292
- George Russell (Mercedes) 211,
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) 191
- Lando Norris (McLaren) 186
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 167
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 145
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) 120
- Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) 71
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls/Red Bull) 59
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) 41
- Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) 31
- Franco Colapinto (Alpine) 27
- Oliver Bearman (Haas) 18
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) 10
- Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) 7
- Carlos Sainz Jr. (Williams) 6
- Alexander Albon (Williams) 5
- Esteban Ocon (Haas) 3
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) 3
- Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls) 1
- Sergio Perez (Cadillac) 0
- Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) 0
- Sergio Perez (Cadillac) 0
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) 0
Minister Zangrillo: “Talent has no age”
“Talent has no age, but it needs trust, courage, and opportunities to express itself. Kimi Antonelli continues to prove it, once again bringing Italy to the top step of the podium with an extraordinary victory in the Spanish Grand Prix. Seeing a boy of just twenty impose himself at the highest world levels is a source of great pride, but above all it is a powerful message for all our young people: believe in your abilities, work with determination, and do not be afraid to face challenges that seem bigger than us. Kimi is writing a beautiful page of Italian sport and reminds us how important it is to give trust to the new generations. Congratulations, young Kimi!”. Thus the Minister for Public Administration, Paolo Zangrillo, after Antonelli’s triumph at the Spanish GP.
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