Antonelli targets sixth straight F1 win in Barcelona as Alonso faces pit-lane start and possible farewell
Kimi Antonelli arrives at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya leading the world championship and aiming for a sixth consecutive victory, while Fernando Alonso will start from the pit lane after an engine penalty in what he suggests could be his last Spanish Grand Prix.
Antonelli’s streak on the line
The Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli has dominated the opening phase of the 2026 season, winning the last five Grands Prix in China, Japan, Miami, Canada and Monaco. A sixth successive win in Barcelona would place him alongside Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg, Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel in a select group of drivers to have achieved such a streak. He starts third on the grid after qualifying behind his Mercedes team-mate.
Russell seizes pole
George Russell secured pole position during Saturday’s qualifying session and will line up first, giving Mercedes a strong hand for the race. Lewis Hamilton put his Ferrari on the front row in second place, while Lando Norris took the second row alongside Antonelli. Charles Leclerc had a difficult qualifying after an accident and will start tenth.
I couldn’t be closer.
Hamilton, who moved to Ferrari in 2025, is yet to win a Grand Prix for the Scuderia but believes a breakthrough is near as the team continues to refine the car around his feedback.
Alonso’s pit-lane setback
Fernando Alonso qualified last, more than three seconds off Russell’s time, and Aston Martin later confirmed a penalty that forces him to start from the pit lane. The FIA verified the change of the MGU‑K, battery and control electronics on his Honda power unit, each exceeding the permitted allocation for the season. The decision sacrifices his strongest weapon this year — race starts — but leaves him with fresher components for upcoming rounds.
This will probably be my last race in Barcelona in F1.
The two-time world champion hinted that he does not expect to race again at this circuit when the championship returns in 2028, adding an emotional layer to an already difficult weekend.
The chasing pack
McLaren have shown signs of improvement since May, with Norris starting from the second row and Oscar Piastri three places further back. The team is working to close the gap to Mercedes and Ferrari, although the papaya cars are not yet fighting for wins. The race offers an opportunity to test recent upgrades on a circuit that rewards aerodynamic efficiency.
How to follow
Lights go out at 15:00 local time at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló. The event is broadcast on DAZN across the championship and on Mediaset and TV3 for the Spanish audience, with minute-by-minute updates available through digital outlets.
