Cause of championship leader Antonelli's shock Spanish GP DNF revealed

The Italian driver had spent the entire race tucked in behind his teammate before finally making a decisive move into Turn 1 in the closing laps to snatch second place. Up to that point, he had been set to gain a further three points over Russell in the championship battle.

However, with just four laps remaining, a technical issue later identified as an electrical shutdown dealt a major blow to his title hopes. The retirement not only handed crucial points back to Russell but also benefited Hamilton, who emerged victorious in Barcelona and moved ever closer to the championship lead.

As a result of his retirement and the outcome of the race, Antonelli remains firmly at the top of the championship standings, although his advantage over Hamilton has now shrunk to 41 points. There was heartbreak for Charles Leclerc as well, with the Ferrari driver suffering his second consecutive retirement after being forced out in the closing stages by a technical issue of his own.