Kimi Antonelli conceded that Lando Norris deserved to win the Spanish Grand Prix, but declared "we'll take it" after a fortunate virtual safety car (VSC). The victory was Antonelli's eighth of the season, further extending his championship lead over George Russell.
Antonelli now holds an 81-point advantage over Russell, who finished fifth. With eight wins this season, he is closing in on becoming the youngest world champion in F1 history. Fortune favored him when Lance Stroll stopped on track, triggering a VSC. Leader Norris had just missed the pit entry under the VSC conditions, while Antonelli and Max Verstappen seized the moment to pit for fresh tires.
By the time Norris eventually pitted, the race had resumed under green flag conditions, leaving him behind Antonelli and Verstappen. Antonelli went on to win by 4.3 seconds from Verstappen, with Norris third. Russell was 29.8 seconds adrift in fifth. The win was also the record-equalling 251st victory for a Mercedes engine.
Reflecting on the race, Antonelli showed sportsmanship. "It was a very difficult race, not straightforward at all, especially trying to manage tyres, but I think today it is good to win, but it doesn't feel as good because I think Lando today deserved the win," he said. "But overall we'll take it. And other than that, it was a very strong race. I think, especially on the hard at the end, we had really good pace."
With three races remaining offering 83 points—Azerbaijan, Bahrain, and Singapore (Sprint)—Antonelli is likely to still lead the championship when F1 arrives in Austin for the United States Grand Prix. It's a strong position, but he remains grounded. "Now we're going to keep pushing. I want to keep pushing race by race, keep delivering and keep enjoying it all the way, and I'm trying to do my best every race, and then we'll see where we end up at the end of the year," he added.
For Mercedes, this win reinforces their dominance this season, though it must be admitted that luck played a part. However, in racing, luck often favors the prepared. Antonelli and his team showed readiness in making strategic decisions under pressure. Meanwhile, Norris and McLaren had to swallow a bitter pill after a strong performance throughout the race.
The drivers' championship is now increasingly intriguing. With Antonelli's consistent performances, the world title seems only a matter of time. But the season is long and anything can happen. One thing is clear: the Spanish GP served as a reminder that in F1, luck and strategy are as important as raw speed.
Baca Juga
Charles Leclerc finis keempat di GP Spanyol setelah berharap keajaiban Safety Car yang tak kunjung datang. Ferrari masih tertinggal di kualifikasi, menjadi fokus perbaikan utama.
Nico Rosberg menilai Carlos Sainz harus bertanggung jawab atas minimnya overtaking di sirkuit Madring. Kritik pedas mantan juara dunia F1 ini menyoroti peran Sainz sebagai ambassador.
Max Verstappen marah dengan insiden tikungan pertama bersama Lewis Hamilton di F1 Spanyol, menyebutnya 'balapan Mickey Mouse'. Simak detailnya.
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