A sold-out crowd of 353,000 spectators enjoyed an exciting Spanish Grand Prix (a motorsports event held as part of the Formula One World Championship) at the 22-turn MADRING (110,000-capacity new 5.4-kilometer hybrid racing circuit) in Madrid, Spain, on September 13th with Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (Italian racing driver) taking the first win at the new circuit located around the Fair Institution of Madrid (IFEMA) MADRID Exhibition Centre.
‘madring.com’ stated that Kimi Antonelli has made history by becoming the first driver to win a Formula 1 (the highest class of international auto racing for single-seater, open-wheel formula cars) race at the new MADRING, the home of the FORMULA 1 TAG HEUER GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA 2026 (read 2026 Spanish Grand Prix). Antonelli took the checkered flag over four seconds ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian racing driver) with McLaren’s Lando Norris (British-Belgian racing driver) coming home in third.
The victory was Kimi Antonelli’s eighth of the year and he extends his lead at the head of the Drivers’ World Championship (the highest-level individual award given to the most successful racing driver in a Formula One season). The 20-year-old Italian celebrated his success on the MADRING podium and was presented with the winner’s trophy – with a design based on the showpiece La Monumental corner (the famous Turn 12 at the new MADRING Formula 1 street circuit) – by His Majesty King Felipe VI (current King of Spain).
Ran Wide
‘madring.com’ further stated that Kimi Antonelli started on the front row of the grid but ran wide at the first corner, along with Verstappen, and slipped to third behind the Dutchman and the pole-sitter Norris.
Strong Start
Behind them, Lewis Hamilton (British racing driver) had made a strong start in his Ferrari and was soon on the team radio to suggest that the drivers ahead of him who had cut the corner should give the positions back.
Verstappen was instructed by his team to relinquish the position to Hamilton which also meant conceding a place to Antonelli. He did so on Lap Four, promoting the Italian to second, while Hamilton was now third.
Brake Issue
But sadly, the British driver wasn’t there for long as he quickly developed a brake issue. As the problem worsened, he unfortunately had to retire on Lap Six.
Decent Lead
Norris built out a decent lead ahead of Antonelli and Verstappen and looked comfortable out front. After his excellent pole position Norris looked the class of the field but he was unlucky when the race was neutralized after another car ran into problems.
Virtual Safety Car
Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll (Canadian racing driver) was also nursing a brake problem and he stopped at the side of the track at Turn 20 on Lap 14. That triggered a Virtual Safety Car which slowed the field down. Unfortunately, Norris had already passed the pit lane entry when the VSC was deployed but his rivals behind took advantage to pit while the field was traveling at reduced pace.
Decisive Moment
This was the decisive moment of the race. Kimi Antonelli and Verstappen pitted and emerged ahead of Norris when he eventually came in one lap later. His time spent stationary in his pit stop was compounded with a slow front-right wheel change. Antonelli was generous to acknowledge his good fortune when he spoke after the race.
‘Difficult Race’
Observed Antonelli, “It was a very difficult race, not straightforward at all trying to manage the tires and it was good to win but I think Lando deserved the victory. But we’ll take it and we will continue to keep pushing.”
‘Incredible Weekend’
On the sell-out crowd and the new MADRING layout, Antonelli added, “It’s been an incredible weekend and thank you to the fans for giving us such great energy. We’re looking forward to being back here again next year.”
Standout Features
Throughout the field the fans were treated to some exciting battles with the spectacular La Monumental one of the standout features of the MADRING lap.
Star-studded Show
In addition to a sell-out crowd of 353,00 spectators the race was attended by a host of VIPs and celebrities. They included His Majesty King Felipe VI, the national and local political figures and stars from the world of sport.
‘Fantastic Achievement’
Asserted José Vicente de los Mozos, Chairman, IFEMA MADRID’s Executive Committee, “What we have experienced this weekend at MADRING is a fantastic achievement for Madrid and for IFEMA MADRID. Bringing Formula 1 back to the Spanish capital after 45 years has required a huge collective effort.”
‘Fans’ Incredible Response’
Added Luis García Abad, General Manager (GM), MADRING, “Congratulations to Kimi Antonelli on being the first FORMULA 1 TAG HEUER GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA winner at MADRING. We are very proud of what we have achieved together with IFEMA MADRID, Formula 1, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), the teams, and all our partners and everyone who has worked tirelessly behind-the-scenes. We were also delighted to welcome a sold-out crowd to MADRING as the response from the fans has been incredible. Their passion and enthusiasm have created an atmosphere that we will remember for a long time.”
The Formula 1 drivers and the team chiefs are hopeful there is scope at the MADRING for the organizers to make changes to the track to aid overtaking for the future seasons.
MADRING Circuit
Overtaking Opportunities Concerns
While the 3.36-mile layout of the MADRING Circuit was praised for the challenge it posed on a fast-qualifying lap the drivers had raised concerns ahead of the race about a likely lack of overtaking opportunities – something which largely played out in the race.
Changes Required
Norris, who claimed the inaugural pole position and would likely have won the Grand Prix too but for an untimely Virtual Safety Car, believes “there are some obvious changes they should make” to make it a “great race track” to go with the challenge it provided the drivers in qualifying.
Offering a blunt assessment on some immediate revisions he would like to see, the McLaren driver said, “They should get rid of [Turns] 18, 19. Useless. Just have more of a straight into a hairpin.”
Race winner Kimi Antonelli added, “I think there are some corners that need to be changed to create more overtaking opportunities because right now, yes, it’s nice over one lap but for sure in the race, you know, you’re just stuck behind [other cars].”
Track Improvisation
Toto Wolff (Principal of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team) said he was impressed with the event as a whole and revealed that the organizers were already talking to the FIA, F1’s governing body, about what could be improved regarding the track for next year.
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