Lewis Hamilton conceded the 2026 Formula 1 title race after Kimi Antonelli won the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit. Antonelli claimed his eighth victory of the season, extending his championship lead over Mercedes team-mate George Russell to 81 points. Hamilton retired early due to a brake-pedal issue on his Ferrari and now trails by 101 points in third place.

"I think there's no stopping him and Mercedes this year," Hamilton told Sky Sports F1. "They've done a phenomenal job and they deserve it." Antonelli benefited from a timely virtual safety car to overtake McLaren's Lando Norris, who had led comfortably. Despite his massive advantage, the 20-year-old Italian insists he is focused on a race-by-race approach.

Hamilton had made a strong start, jumping Max Verstappen for third, but soon suffered a brake failure. "I hit the brake, the car started stopping and then the pedal took a step," Hamilton explained. The pedal issue caused him to brush a barrier before eventually retiring. The F1 season continues with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 24.