17:20
A very positive day for Ferrari. If only Hamilton could learn to stop impeding drivers on hot laps, that would be a positive thing.
Perez and Bottas in Madrid
© XPB Images
F1 Madrid LIVE: Reaction as Antonelli tops Friday at the Spanish GP
Live coverage of Friday at the F1 Spanish Grand Prix
KEY MOMENTS
- Russell P1 in first Madrid session
- No red flags in FP1
- Traffic a major issue
The 14th round of the 2026 Formula 1 season takes place at the Spanish Grand Prix.
The Madring becomes F1's newest grand prix venue as it replaces Barcelona as the home of the Spanish Grand Prix. The street track layout features 22 turns packed into a 5.414km distance, with the banked Turn 12 the focal point.
In the lead-up to the weekend, drivers have commented on an expectation of red flags, with many in the lower reaches keen to take advantage of any opportunities that may present themselves.
Kimi Antonelli arrives at Madrid with an increased 66-point lead in the drivers' championship after taking victory in Monza from 19th place on the grid. This leaves team-mate and primary championship rival George Russell needing to claw back some of the margin this weekend, meaning he may be forced to take some uncomfortable risks.
Lewis Hamilton's hopes of a record-breaking eighth world title took a pounding at Monza as Ferrari again fumbled the ball with its race management.
The opening practice session of the weekend was completed without any major incidents, with yellow flags displayed sparingly across the hour.
2026 Spanish Grand Prix Friday schedule
FP1 12:30pm BST - 1:30pm BST
FP2: 4:00pm BST - 5:00pm BST
11 Sep 2026
17:19
If your name is George Russell, look away now. If this result repeats on Sunday, that would all but be championship over.
17:14
2026 F1 Spanish Grand Prix - Madrid Friday Practice Results
2026 F1 Spanish Grand Prix - Madrid Friday Practice Results
Kimi Antonelli ended Friday as the fastest driver at the Spanish Grand Prix as Formula 1 completed its first day at the Madring.
The F1 points leader stamped his authority in Madrid, leading the way from Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, on a weekend that appears set to be fought between Mercedes and the Scuderia.
Verstappen in Madrid
© XPB Images
17:07
Kimi Antonelli sets practice pace as Arvid Lindblad crash causes first F1 red flag at Madrid
Kimi Antonelli sets practice pace as Arvid Lindblad crash causes first F1 red flag at Madrid
Kimi Antonelli set the pace in second practice at the Spanish Grand Prix as Arvid Lindblad’s crash brought out the first Formula 1 red flag at the new Madrid track.
The 20-year-old Italian, who leads the championship by 66 points from Mercedes team-mate George Russell after his incredible comeback victory last time out at Monza, was 0.113 seconds faster than Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Kimi Antonelli set the pace in second practice
17:01
Top 10 in FP2
The top 10 in FP2 are:
- Antonelli
- Leclerc
- Hamilton
- Lindblad
- Russell
- Verstappen
- Piastri
- Tsunoda
- Ocon
- Lawson
17:00
Chequered flag
The flag has fallen on FP2, and the final laps are being completed. Antonelli is fastest from Leclerc and Hamilton.
16:59
More problems, as Lawson is in the garage with a problem, and Stroll has now been told to park the car. Less than a minute to go.
16:58
Piastri slides off at Turn 7, but spins it around and gets going again. The corner is on a blind crest, so expect more problems there throughout the weekend.
16:57
Leclerc and Perez do some racing, and it almost results in an awkward clash. But even a Ferrari trying to pass a Cadillac didn't look simple. Sunday might not offer the thrill of Saturday.
16:53
As is typical towards the end of FP2, we're now into the slower long runs. It's unlikely that there will be another major incident unless someone goes for another hot lap.
16:51
Other than Lindblad and Norris, the remaining 20 drivers are all on the track.
16:47
Session resumes
Green light and here we go again.
16:45
The session will resume at 17:47 local time, or in two minutes.
16:42
What they said. But that is where his session came to an end.
16:39
It was only a matter of time until this happened, but Lindblad is out of the car and appears to be fine. That is his day done, though.
16:37
RED FLAG
Red flag number one, and it's caused by Lindblad. That would have been a high-speed one there at Turn 13.
16:35
As Russell crosses the line, here is the top 10 just over halfway through the session.
- Antonelli
- Leclerc
- Hamilton
- Lindblad
- Russell
- Verstappen
- Piastri
- Ocon
- Lawson
- Gasly
16:33
Hamilton, yet again, is caught dawdling in the middle of the track. We've lost count of how many times that has happened today now. Yet still, it hasn't even been noted by the stewards.
Any repeat in qualifying, and that would be a certain grid drop.
16:30
Hamilton is now second, 0.149s back, with Leclerc third, 0.158s off the pace.
In fourth, Lindblad looks strong yet again as he sits 0.228s back on the leader.
16:29
Antonelli puts in his first quali sim and goes top with a 1m33.662s. Russell has pitted and aborted his run.
16:28
Alonso has joined the action, at last, but here come the quali sims.
16:25
The track is relatively quiet now, but soft tyres are fitted to cars that are returning to the track, so quali sims are incoming. Up goes the risk factor.
16:20
Norris "tight" for Madrid FP2 return
Norris returned to the garage in FP2 after completing only two laps, reporting a gearbox problem.
In a statement providing an update on the session, McLaren said: "We identified an issue on Lando's car, which requires a gearbox change. We are working to try and get Lando back out before the end of the session, although time is very tight."
16:17
Erm, Verstappen? No one told the four-time champion that Mercedes and Ferrari are supposed to be the pace-setters this weekend. The Dutchman has gone fastest with a 1m34.378s.
16:16
Hamilton comes inches away from causing the first red flag, as he runs deep at Turn 17 yet again. A very lucky escape.