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George Russell Leads Mercedes One-Two in Spanish GP Practice at New Madring

Posted : 11 September 2026

George Russell set the pace in the opening practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix on Friday, leading Mercedes teammate and championship leader Kimi Antonelli in a one-two at the new Madring circuit in Madrid.

Russell posted a fastest lap of 1:34.077, finishing 0.286 seconds ahead of Antonelli. The result gave Mercedes an early advantage at a challenging circuit making its Formula 1 debut, with drivers facing high-speed corners and barriers positioned close to the track.

The British driver had previously described the Madring as one of the most dangerous tracks on the calendar because of its combination of fast sections, tight braking zones and limited room for error. Despite those concerns, the opening F1 session passed without a major incident.

Ferrari occupied the next two positions, with Charles Leclerc third and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton fourth. Max Verstappen was fifth for Red Bull, followed by reigning champion Lando Norris in the leading McLaren.

Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad impressed with seventh place, ahead of McLaren's Oscar Piastri. Audi's Nico Hulkenberg and Red Bull's Liam Lawson completed the top 10.

The cautious approach from the drivers was notable given the circuit's reputation. An earlier Formula 2 session had been halted after Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak suffered a heavy crash that left his car on fire, although the Thai driver escaped unharmed.

Antonelli enters the Madrid weekend as the championship leader, with Russell attempting to close the gap in the title fight. The Mercedes pair will now look to build on their strong start as practice and qualifying continue ahead of Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix.

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