Russell leads Mercedes one-two in first Madring practice
George Russell set the pace in the opening practice session for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid’s new Madring circuit, ahead of Mercedes team mate Kimi Antonelli. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were third and fourth, with Max Verstappen fifth and Lando Norris sixth.
Russell was fastest in Free Practice 1 for the Spanish Grand Prix as Formula 1 ran its first competitive session at the new Madring in Madrid. The Mercedes driver posted a best time of 1:34.077 to finish 0.286 seconds ahead of team mate Antonelli.
Ferrari drivers Leclerc and Hamilton followed in third and fourth, while championship leader Verstappen was fifth for Red Bull. Norris placed sixth, 0.870 seconds off Russell’s pace.
The session marked Formula 1’s first official running at the 5.4-kilometre, 22-turn Madring circuit. According to reports, 20 of the 22 cars were on track within the opening 100 seconds, with Hulkenberg and Colapinto joining later.