Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli felt that he was “fortunate” to extend his F1 title lead with victory at the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix.
Antonelli capitalised upon pitting under a well-timed virtual safety car (VSC) at the end of lap 14 to snatch the net lead from pole-sitter, Lando Norris who had passed the pits when the VSC was deployed whilst Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin was removed from the run-off area at Turn 20.
The 20-year-old Italian proceeded to inherit the lead when Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc pitted at the end of lap 48 and went on to take his eighth Grand Prix victory of the season, which extended his title lead to 81 points after title rival – George Russell finished fifth.
Antonelli though post race admitted that he was lucky to win the race after he failed to match Norris’ pace until the VSC came out,
“It was great to get the victory today, but we know we were a little bit fortunate with the timing of the Virtual Safety Car.
“Lando was in control at the front, but we were able to dive into the pits just as the Virtual Safety Car was deployed, make the cheap stop onto the Hard, get the net lead and run to the end.
“We probably didn’t deserve to win therefore but we will of course take it. We can also be happy with our pace today.”
Antonelli also felt encouraged by his ability to win the last two races despite Mercedes not being in sync with their nearest rivals in terms of upgrades.
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