The man of the moment in Formula 1: Kimi Antonelli. © APA/afp / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC

That devilish Antonelli is in the lead again!

World Championship leader Kimi Antonelli set the fastest lap of the day in the second free practice session on the challenging new Formula 1 circuit in Madrid.

September 11, 2026

From: dpa/det

After several crashes in Formula 2 qualifying, Arvid Lindblad of the Racing Bulls was involved in a crash during the 60-minute practice session of Formula 1. He lost control of his car in a fast corner and slid into the barrier. He was uninjured.

Antonelli had already set the fastest time by then. Having finished second in the opening practice session, the Monza winner now relegated Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari to second place. Third was Leclerc's teammate, record world champion Lewis Hamilton. Lindblad had slotted in behind them before the 19-year-old's session ended prematurely in his car.

Problems for Norris

Antonelli's teammate George Russell, second in the standings with 66 points behind his 20-year-old Silver Arrows colleague, came in fifth in the second free practice session.

It was not a good day for Lando Norris. © APA/afp / ANNA SZILAGYI

Things didn't go well at all for world champion Lando Norris late this afternoon in Madrid. The Briton, who had recently been in excellent form, had to park his McLaren early in the garage due to a technical problem. And Spain's Formula 1 idol Fernando Alonso also had more downtime than he had hoped for on the circuit with the spectacular "Monumental" banked corner ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix this Sunday (15.00 p.m.).

No time to waste

Otherwise, everyone took every opportunity to gather experience and, above all, data on the new course located in the immediate vicinity of Real Madrid's training center. Unsurprisingly, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and former Real Madrid legend David Beckham were among the guests on the warm-up day.

Looking ahead to the race, the most interesting question will be whether and how overtaking is possible on the tight, unforgiving circuit. Another question is how long the tires will last with air temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius and correspondingly hot asphalt.