George Russell set the pace on the new racetrack. © ANSA / JUANJO MARTIN

First best time on the “Madring”

Mercedes dominated the first test session on the new Formula 1 track in Madrid.

September 11, 2026

From: dpa/apa

George Russell set the fastest time in Friday's first free practice session with a lap of 1:34,077, ahead of Monza winner and championship leader Kimi Antonelli (+0,286). The Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc (+0,459) and Lewis Hamilton (+0,543) followed at a considerable distance on the circuit in the Spanish capital, as did Red Bull driver Max Verstappen (+0,626) and reigning world champion Lando Norris (+0,870) in the McLaren.

Everyone used every minute of the one-hour session to gain experience and, above all, data on the five-kilometer "Madring" circuit, located right next to Real Madrid's training center. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois watched the spectacle from the Ferrari garage.

The banked curve in Madrid guarantees a spectacular show. © APA/afp / OSCAR DEL POZO

Looking ahead to the race, the most interesting question will be whether and how overtaking is possible on the narrow circuit at the Madrid trade fair grounds. At least in the first hour of Formula 1 on the new track, the feared accidents failed to materialize.

Heavy crash in Formula 2

Earlier, during Formula 2 free practice, a violent crash occurred. Thai driver Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak crashed his race car into the barrier at high speed as he exited Turn 19. The 20-year-old climbed out of the badly damaged car on his own, which then caught fire. Black smoke billowed into the air.