LIVE: Reaction as Russell beats Antonelli in debut Madrid F1 session

The 2026 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix is being held at the newly introduced Madrid Circuit, which features a challenging 5.4km layout with 22 corners. Kimi Antonelli arrives at this event with a significant 66-point lead in the drivers' championship, following a remarkable victory at Monza where he surged from 19th to first place. The circuit's design has been noted for its difficulty, with drivers reporting that mastering it is a significant challenge.

In the first free practice session, George Russell managed to outperform Antonelli, marking a strong start for him in Madrid. The pre-event testing for Formula 3 highlighted the circuit's unforgiving nature, as evidenced by the 19 red flags that were raised during the two-day test. As the weekend progresses, the focus will be on how drivers adapt to the demanding conditions of the new venue.