Andrea Kimi Antonelli lucked into the lead after a well-timed Digital Security Automobile and saved it to the chequered flag on the 2026 System 1 Spanish Grand Prix.
The 20-year-old took a primary F1 race victory on Spanish soil after a relaxed efficiency within the 53-lap race on the new Madring circuit.
Ranging from second on the grid, the present championship chief was handed the web race lead after an ill-timed VSC and sluggish pit cease pressured pole-sitter Lando Norris to relinquish his benefit.
Reflecting on the afternoon’s proceedings, Antonelli surmised that he didn’t actually “deserve” to win the race.
“To be practical and trustworthy, , at the moment we didn’t need to win,” he instructed media together with Motorsport Week.
“Lando deserved to win at the moment. And so I believe our, , outcome would most likely be [second] and even [third].”
The Italian reasoned that he had already put himself on the backfoot after an “aggressive” opening lap noticed him run huge on the Flip 1 and 5 chicanes.
“I simply didn’t do a ok job in the beginning, being a bit too aggressive, after which placing myself in a nasty place,” he added.
“So, yeah, undoubtedly issues to work on. However holding on, , at the moment went nicely and I’m pleased with that.
“We’re simply going to attempt to be higher.”
Kimi Antonelli not resting on his laurels after extending championship lead at F1 Spanish GP
Whereas Antonelli took the chequered flag in P1, his team-mate, and closest championship rival, George Russell, ceded extra floor to the Italian with fourth-placed end.
Heading into the Azerbaijan GP weekend, Antonelli now holds a staggering 81-points lead over the Briton.
That mentioned, regardless of acknowleding his “large lead” the 20-year-old just isn’t taking the problem forward evenly.
“Yeah, it’s nice, however we’ve simply acquired to maintain pushing, hold delivering the outcomes, and simply making an attempt to do the very best job I can each time I’m going on monitor,” Antonelli defined.
“In fact, I’ve a giant lead however you by no means know what can occur.
“So, I simply should be prepared for something and hold maximising each alternative I get, and we’ll see what we find yourself with on the finish of the yr.”
With solely a handful of rounds to go within the 2026 championship, and Imola wanting just like the most definitely vacation spot for the season finale, it might be an Italian cornonation for the Mercedes driver by the point the season involves an in depth.
READ MORE – F1 2026 Spanish GP – Race Outcomes
