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RSS ↗Wikimedia Commons · Steffen Prößdorf, crop by Cerebral726 · CC BY-SA 4.0Charles LECLERC leads the Race at MadringCharles LECLERC takes the lead from Lando NORRIS — live from Madring, Spain.Wikimedia Commons · Yu Chu Chin · CC BY-SA 4.0Lando NORRIS leads the Race at MadringLando NORRIS takes the lead from Kimi ANTONELLI — live from Madring, Spain.
via grandprix.comSainz asks Madring to fix blind high-speed sectionsCarlos Sainz has raised safety concerns regarding the Madring circuit, particularly about restricted visibility in high-speed sections. He highlighted that driving at speeds between 162 and 168 mph without a clear view was alarming and called for the FIA and organizers to consider driver feedback for necessary changes after the inaugural race.
Max Verstappen echoed Sainz's sentiments, advocating for driver consultation during the circuit design phase rather than post-race. He noted that adjusting braking zones on paper is more feasible than altering physical structures after construction. The drivers are expected to present their suggestions for improvements based on their experiences during the race.
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli hopeful of solution after painful Madring experienceKimi Antonelli is optimistic about finding a solution to avoid a repeat of his challenging practice experience at the Madring ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. He qualified second, narrowly missing pole position to Lando Norris, and is aware of the difficulties in overtaking on the circuit, particularly due to tire degradation.
Antonelli believes that managing tire life will be crucial during the race, as he anticipates potential multiple pit stops. He plans to apply pressure on the car ahead to force mistakes, highlighting the strategic aspect of the race in addition to raw speed.
Sun 13 Sep · 11:25 UTC
via Motorsport WeekSergio Perez offers hilarious response to Kimi Antonelli radio feudSergio Perez responded humorously to criticism from Kimi Antonelli, who was frustrated after being held up by Perez during the second practice session at the Madring. Antonelli expressed his annoyance over the radio, but Perez joked that Antonelli might have been confused about the driver he was complaining about.
Despite the traffic challenges at the new Spanish GP track, Perez remained positive, calling it a "really cool track." However, he faced penalties for speeding in the pitlane and qualified nineteenth, contrasting with Antonelli's second-place qualifying position. Cadillac, Perez's team, has yet to score any points in the 2026 season.
Sun 13 Sep · 10:45 UTC
via RacingNews365F1 teams weighing up Madrid gamble as key decision awaitsThe Spanish Grand Prix is set to take place at the new Madring Circuit, with Lando Norris starting from pole position after a strong qualifying performance. He is looking to continue his winning streak, having won the last two races from pole, and aims to become the first driver to win at this new venue.
Teams are deliberating between a one-stop and a two-stop race strategy, with Pirelli indicating that a one-stop strategy may be more effective. However, high temperatures could lead to increased tire wear, prompting teams to consider the risks of a two-stop strategy, especially given the long pit lane and potential traffic issues.Sun 13 Sep · 10:25 UTC
via F1iMadring Speed Trap: Who is the fastest of them all?The inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid's Madring street circuit saw Lando Norris take pole position, marking his third pole in four races. The event is characterized by a hybrid layout that combines elements from various circuits, and the fresh asphalt is expected to influence race dynamics significantly, with high potential for Safety Cars due to narrow sightlines and heavy wall impacts during practice.
In the Speed Trap, Gabriel Bortoleto topped the charts with a speed of 309.3 km/h, while other drivers like Nico Hülkenberg and George Russell also showcased impressive speeds. However, the top speeds fell short of the anticipated 340 km/h, highlighting the challenges teams faced in translating theoretical setups to practical performance. With severe tyre degradation expected, strategists are considering various pit strategies to navigate the tight and challenging layout.
Sun 13 Sep · 10:12 UTC
via RaceFansSocial Media: New Formula 3 champion crowned after Madring triple-header | BriefUgo Ugochukwu has been crowned the 2026 Formula 3 champion after securing a second-place finish in the final race at the Madring. He entered the race tied on points with rival Freddie Slater, who started in eighth position and finished where he began, allowing Ugochukwu to clinch the title.
In addition to his Formula 3 success, Ugochukwu also won the Formula Regional Oceania title earlier in the year. Tuukka Taponen claimed victory in the final race, which helped him secure third place in the overall championship standings.
Sun 13 Sep · 09:50 UTC
via Motorsport WeekPierre Gasly stumped by sudden pace loss after Q2 exit in MadridPierre Gasly experienced a surprising decline in performance during the qualifying session for the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, resulting in his elimination in Q2 and a 14th place starting position. He was perplexed by the drastic change in the car's behavior compared to earlier in the weekend, indicating that he felt comfortable with the car's balance prior to qualifying.
Gasly plans to work with his team to investigate the issues that led to the loss of grip and performance. He expressed skepticism about his chances in the upcoming race, suggesting that he might need to take risks to improve his situation. Despite the overall improvement in track conditions, he remains uncertain about the car's competitiveness in the high-speed sections of the circuit.Sun 13 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris calls for changes to improve Madring circuitLando Norris has expressed his views on the Madring circuit, suggesting that it requires 'easy changes' to enhance its racing potential. He emphasized the significant investment made in the track and the need for adjustments to improve the experience for teams and drivers.Sun 13 Sep · 08:15 UTC
via PlanetF1F1 driver faces Spanish GP grid uncertainty after heavy Madring crashOliver Bearman faced uncertainty regarding his starting position for the Spanish Grand Prix after a heavy crash during the final practice session. The incident occurred when he clipped the barriers, resulting in substantial damage to his Haas VF-26, which prevented him from participating in qualifying. Team principal Ayao Komatsu expressed uncertainty about whether Bearman would start from the grid or the pit lane, as they were in discussions with the FIA regarding the situation.
Despite the crash, Bearman has been deemed eligible to race, and he is provisionally set to start from 21st on the grid due to Lance Stroll's engine penalty. Bearman acknowledged the challenges of starting from the back but remains optimistic about the car's competitive pace throughout the weekend.
Sun 13 Sep · 07:19 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso thinks Aston Martin’s press officer could be ‘faster’ than Max Verstappen at MadringFernando Alonso has voiced his discontent with the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, suggesting that they diminish the role of driver skill in racing. He made a comparison between Aston Martin's press officer and Max Verstappen, claiming that the press officer could potentially outperform Verstappen due to the current car dynamics and battery power management.
Alonso's performance at the Spanish Grand Prix was disappointing, as he qualified in P18, significantly behind the pole position time. He emphasized that the new regulations have made it so that driver bravery and skill are less impactful, particularly at challenging corners like La Monumental, which he believes should allow skilled drivers to stand out.
Sun 13 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comWhy Madring’s banked Turn 12 could be crucial in the Spanish GPThe new Madrid circuit's Turn 12, known as La Monumental, features a significant banking of 13.5 degrees, making it a focal point for teams and drivers ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. Pirelli has labeled this corner as the most demanding on tyres in the Formula 1 calendar, with drivers experiencing a prolonged load of 5.5 seconds, which is double that of other challenging corners. Current assessments indicate no immediate safety concerns, and Pirelli continues to analyze tyre performance as the weekend progresses.
As teams prepare for the race, there is debate about whether Turn 12 can be navigated at full throttle. While some teams anticipated needing to lift off the throttle, others believed they could maintain speed. Data from practice sessions revealed that drivers, including those from Ferrari, had to adjust their throttle input, confirming the need for caution. This variability in performance expectations highlights the importance of driver skill and strategy in managing the corner effectively during the race.
Sun 13 Sep · 02:52 UTC
via f1technical.netMercedes admit they completed "nearly four months without introducing a major update"Mercedes' trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin revealed that the team's lack of a significant upgrade for nearly four months contributed to their struggles in qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix. Despite this, Kimi Antonelli came close to securing pole position, finishing just 0.011 seconds behind Lando Norris of McLaren. George Russell faced challenges with understeer and tyre temperatures, ultimately qualifying sixth. The team had not anticipated being competitive for pole but adjusted their expectations based on strong practice performances.
Looking ahead to the race, Mercedes is aware that overtaking will be challenging, and they will need to rely on effective tyre management and strategy to secure strong results. Shovlin noted that the high tyre degradation observed during practice could provide opportunities for creative strategies. Both drivers expressed optimism about their chances to improve during the race, despite the difficulties posed by the circuit layout.
Sun 13 Sep · 01:00 UTC
via f1technical.netPiastri reveals why he "didn’t have that last bit we needed in the last run"Oscar Piastri expressed disappointment after qualifying seventh for the Spanish Grand Prix, despite McLaren showing competitive pace with Lando Norris achieving pole position. Piastri's performance was hindered by a cautious qualifying strategy that required him to use two sets of soft tyres in Q2, leaving him with only one fresh set for Q3, which affected his final lap performance.
Piastri acknowledged that while the team made improvements throughout the qualifying sessions, he lacked the final pace needed to challenge for a higher position. He emphasized the importance of strategy for the race, given the expected difficulty in overtaking and uncertainties regarding tyre degradation after practice sessions.Sat 12 Sep · 23:00 UTC
via f1technical.netNorris opens up why he does not have a delta on his streering wheelLando Norris achieved pole position at the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix, showcasing a remarkable final lap that saw him improve his time by seven and a half tenths. Despite missing a practice session, he quickly adapted during qualifying and outperformed his teammate Oscar Piastri, who faced challenges in Q2 and Q3 due to tire strategy decisions.
Norris's performance was notable as his car lacked a traditional delta time display, forcing him to rely on his instincts and car sensations to gauge his performance. The new Madring circuit presented additional challenges with evolving grip levels, but Norris managed to find the right balance and timing to secure his third pole of the season.Sat 12 Sep · 23:00 UTC
via f1technical.netRussell opens up on why he was unable to match Antonelli's speed in Madrid qualifyingKimi Antonelli narrowly lost pole position to Lando Norris by just 0.011 seconds during the qualifying session for the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring. Antonelli had shown strong pace throughout the day, including topping the final practice session, and will start the race from second on the grid, which he believes offers a good opportunity despite the challenges of overtaking on the new circuit.
George Russell, on the other hand, faced a frustrating qualifying session. After being the fastest in Q1, he struggled with understeer in Q3, which hindered his performance and resulted in a sixth-place finish. Russell remains optimistic about the race, citing potential opportunities to recover positions due to expected high tyre degradation.Sat 12 Sep · 22:00 UTC
via gpfans.comFernando Alonso criticises Ferrari's filming day choiceFernando Alonso has expressed his disapproval of Ferrari's choice to conduct a filming day at the Madring ahead of the inaugural F1 race at the new venue. His comments highlight the competitive dynamics as teams prepare for the upcoming event.
Sat 12 Sep · 20:56 UTC
via f1chronicle.comGeorge Russell Warns of ‘Six-Stop’ Tyre Nightmare as New Madrid Circuit Piles Punishment on RubberGeorge Russell expressed concerns about tyre wear ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, highlighting that the high-speed corners, particularly La Monumental, are causing significant strain on the tyres. During practice, the team considered a six-stop strategy due to the extreme degradation observed, which could impact race performance.
Mercedes' deputy team principal, Bradley Lord, supported Russell's concerns, indicating that the continuous cornering without long straights for cooling could lead to unexpected tyre behavior. The circuit's unique layout, combined with Pirelli's harder tyre compounds, suggests that qualifying will be crucial for maintaining track position, especially if overtaking proves challenging during the race.
Sat 12 Sep · 20:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen makes ‘BS’ claim as Lando Norris delivers lap of the GodsLando Norris achieved an impressive pole position at the Madring for the Spanish Grand Prix, narrowly beating Kimi Antonelli by just 0.011 seconds. This performance came as a surprise, as Antonelli was considered the frontrunner for the pole before qualifying began. The Ferrari drivers, despite their strong expectations, ended up in fourth and fifth places, while George Russell rounded out the top six.
Max Verstappen criticized the new Madring circuit, labeling a claim about the lack of overtaking space as 'BS.' His comments reflect ongoing discussions about the circuit's design and its impact on racing dynamics. The qualifying session showcased the competitive nature of the field, with Norris's standout lap highlighting his potential in the championship.Sat 12 Sep · 19:30 UTC
via grandprix.comSainz asks Madring to fix blind high-speed sectionsCarlos Sainz has raised safety concerns regarding the Madring circuit, particularly about restricted visibility in high-speed sections. He highlighted that driving at speeds between 162 and 168 mph without a clear view was alarming and called for the FIA and organizers to consider driver feedback for necessary changes after the inaugural race.
Max Verstappen echoed Sainz's sentiments, advocating for driver consultation during the circuit design phase rather than post-race. He noted that adjusting braking zones on paper is more feasible than altering physical structures after construction. The drivers are expected to present their suggestions for improvements based on their experiences during the race.via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli hopeful of solution after painful Madring experienceKimi Antonelli is optimistic about finding a solution to avoid a repeat of his challenging practice experience at the Madring ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. He qualified second, narrowly missing pole position to Lando Norris, and is aware of the difficulties in overtaking on the circuit, particularly due to tire degradation.
Antonelli believes that managing tire life will be crucial during the race, as he anticipates potential multiple pit stops. He plans to apply pressure on the car ahead to force mistakes, highlighting the strategic aspect of the race in addition to raw speed.Sun 13 Sep · 11:25 UTCvia Motorsport WeekSergio Perez offers hilarious response to Kimi Antonelli radio feudSergio Perez responded humorously to criticism from Kimi Antonelli, who was frustrated after being held up by Perez during the second practice session at the Madring. Antonelli expressed his annoyance over the radio, but Perez joked that Antonelli might have been confused about the driver he was complaining about.
Despite the traffic challenges at the new Spanish GP track, Perez remained positive, calling it a "really cool track." However, he faced penalties for speeding in the pitlane and qualified nineteenth, contrasting with Antonelli's second-place qualifying position. Cadillac, Perez's team, has yet to score any points in the 2026 season.Sun 13 Sep · 10:45 UTCvia RacingNews365F1 teams weighing up Madrid gamble as key decision awaitsThe Spanish Grand Prix is set to take place at the new Madring Circuit, with Lando Norris starting from pole position after a strong qualifying performance. He is looking to continue his winning streak, having won the last two races from pole, and aims to become the first driver to win at this new venue.
Teams are deliberating between a one-stop and a two-stop race strategy, with Pirelli indicating that a one-stop strategy may be more effective. However, high temperatures could lead to increased tire wear, prompting teams to consider the risks of a two-stop strategy, especially given the long pit lane and potential traffic issues.Sun 13 Sep · 10:25 UTCvia F1iMadring Speed Trap: Who is the fastest of them all?The inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid's Madring street circuit saw Lando Norris take pole position, marking his third pole in four races. The event is characterized by a hybrid layout that combines elements from various circuits, and the fresh asphalt is expected to influence race dynamics significantly, with high potential for Safety Cars due to narrow sightlines and heavy wall impacts during practice.
In the Speed Trap, Gabriel Bortoleto topped the charts with a speed of 309.3 km/h, while other drivers like Nico Hülkenberg and George Russell also showcased impressive speeds. However, the top speeds fell short of the anticipated 340 km/h, highlighting the challenges teams faced in translating theoretical setups to practical performance. With severe tyre degradation expected, strategists are considering various pit strategies to navigate the tight and challenging layout.Sun 13 Sep · 10:12 UTCvia RaceFansSocial Media: New Formula 3 champion crowned after Madring triple-header | BriefUgo Ugochukwu has been crowned the 2026 Formula 3 champion after securing a second-place finish in the final race at the Madring. He entered the race tied on points with rival Freddie Slater, who started in eighth position and finished where he began, allowing Ugochukwu to clinch the title.
In addition to his Formula 3 success, Ugochukwu also won the Formula Regional Oceania title earlier in the year. Tuukka Taponen claimed victory in the final race, which helped him secure third place in the overall championship standings.Sun 13 Sep · 09:50 UTCvia Motorsport WeekPierre Gasly stumped by sudden pace loss after Q2 exit in MadridPierre Gasly experienced a surprising decline in performance during the qualifying session for the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, resulting in his elimination in Q2 and a 14th place starting position. He was perplexed by the drastic change in the car's behavior compared to earlier in the weekend, indicating that he felt comfortable with the car's balance prior to qualifying.
Gasly plans to work with his team to investigate the issues that led to the loss of grip and performance. He expressed skepticism about his chances in the upcoming race, suggesting that he might need to take risks to improve his situation. Despite the overall improvement in track conditions, he remains uncertain about the car's competitiveness in the high-speed sections of the circuit.Sun 13 Sep · 09:00 UTCvia RacingNews365Lando Norris calls for changes to improve Madring circuitLando Norris has expressed his views on the Madring circuit, suggesting that it requires 'easy changes' to enhance its racing potential. He emphasized the significant investment made in the track and the need for adjustments to improve the experience for teams and drivers.Sun 13 Sep · 08:15 UTCvia PlanetF1F1 driver faces Spanish GP grid uncertainty after heavy Madring crashOliver Bearman faced uncertainty regarding his starting position for the Spanish Grand Prix after a heavy crash during the final practice session. The incident occurred when he clipped the barriers, resulting in substantial damage to his Haas VF-26, which prevented him from participating in qualifying. Team principal Ayao Komatsu expressed uncertainty about whether Bearman would start from the grid or the pit lane, as they were in discussions with the FIA regarding the situation.
Despite the crash, Bearman has been deemed eligible to race, and he is provisionally set to start from 21st on the grid due to Lance Stroll's engine penalty. Bearman acknowledged the challenges of starting from the back but remains optimistic about the car's competitive pace throughout the weekend.Sun 13 Sep · 07:19 UTCvia f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso thinks Aston Martin’s press officer could be ‘faster’ than Max Verstappen at MadringFernando Alonso has voiced his discontent with the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, suggesting that they diminish the role of driver skill in racing. He made a comparison between Aston Martin's press officer and Max Verstappen, claiming that the press officer could potentially outperform Verstappen due to the current car dynamics and battery power management.
Alonso's performance at the Spanish Grand Prix was disappointing, as he qualified in P18, significantly behind the pole position time. He emphasized that the new regulations have made it so that driver bravery and skill are less impactful, particularly at challenging corners like La Monumental, which he believes should allow skilled drivers to stand out.Sun 13 Sep · 06:00 UTCvia Motorsport.comWhy Madring’s banked Turn 12 could be crucial in the Spanish GPThe new Madrid circuit's Turn 12, known as La Monumental, features a significant banking of 13.5 degrees, making it a focal point for teams and drivers ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. Pirelli has labeled this corner as the most demanding on tyres in the Formula 1 calendar, with drivers experiencing a prolonged load of 5.5 seconds, which is double that of other challenging corners. Current assessments indicate no immediate safety concerns, and Pirelli continues to analyze tyre performance as the weekend progresses.
As teams prepare for the race, there is debate about whether Turn 12 can be navigated at full throttle. While some teams anticipated needing to lift off the throttle, others believed they could maintain speed. Data from practice sessions revealed that drivers, including those from Ferrari, had to adjust their throttle input, confirming the need for caution. This variability in performance expectations highlights the importance of driver skill and strategy in managing the corner effectively during the race.Sun 13 Sep · 02:52 UTCvia f1technical.netMercedes admit they completed "nearly four months without introducing a major update"Mercedes' trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin revealed that the team's lack of a significant upgrade for nearly four months contributed to their struggles in qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix. Despite this, Kimi Antonelli came close to securing pole position, finishing just 0.011 seconds behind Lando Norris of McLaren. George Russell faced challenges with understeer and tyre temperatures, ultimately qualifying sixth. The team had not anticipated being competitive for pole but adjusted their expectations based on strong practice performances.
Looking ahead to the race, Mercedes is aware that overtaking will be challenging, and they will need to rely on effective tyre management and strategy to secure strong results. Shovlin noted that the high tyre degradation observed during practice could provide opportunities for creative strategies. Both drivers expressed optimism about their chances to improve during the race, despite the difficulties posed by the circuit layout.Sun 13 Sep · 01:00 UTCvia f1technical.netPiastri reveals why he "didn’t have that last bit we needed in the last run"Oscar Piastri expressed disappointment after qualifying seventh for the Spanish Grand Prix, despite McLaren showing competitive pace with Lando Norris achieving pole position. Piastri's performance was hindered by a cautious qualifying strategy that required him to use two sets of soft tyres in Q2, leaving him with only one fresh set for Q3, which affected his final lap performance.
Piastri acknowledged that while the team made improvements throughout the qualifying sessions, he lacked the final pace needed to challenge for a higher position. He emphasized the importance of strategy for the race, given the expected difficulty in overtaking and uncertainties regarding tyre degradation after practice sessions.Sat 12 Sep · 23:00 UTCvia f1technical.netNorris opens up why he does not have a delta on his streering wheelLando Norris achieved pole position at the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix, showcasing a remarkable final lap that saw him improve his time by seven and a half tenths. Despite missing a practice session, he quickly adapted during qualifying and outperformed his teammate Oscar Piastri, who faced challenges in Q2 and Q3 due to tire strategy decisions.
Norris's performance was notable as his car lacked a traditional delta time display, forcing him to rely on his instincts and car sensations to gauge his performance. The new Madring circuit presented additional challenges with evolving grip levels, but Norris managed to find the right balance and timing to secure his third pole of the season.Sat 12 Sep · 23:00 UTCvia f1technical.netRussell opens up on why he was unable to match Antonelli's speed in Madrid qualifyingKimi Antonelli narrowly lost pole position to Lando Norris by just 0.011 seconds during the qualifying session for the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring. Antonelli had shown strong pace throughout the day, including topping the final practice session, and will start the race from second on the grid, which he believes offers a good opportunity despite the challenges of overtaking on the new circuit.
George Russell, on the other hand, faced a frustrating qualifying session. After being the fastest in Q1, he struggled with understeer in Q3, which hindered his performance and resulted in a sixth-place finish. Russell remains optimistic about the race, citing potential opportunities to recover positions due to expected high tyre degradation.Sat 12 Sep · 22:00 UTCvia gpfans.comFernando Alonso criticises Ferrari's filming day choiceFernando Alonso has expressed his disapproval of Ferrari's choice to conduct a filming day at the Madring ahead of the inaugural F1 race at the new venue. His comments highlight the competitive dynamics as teams prepare for the upcoming event.Sat 12 Sep · 20:56 UTCvia f1chronicle.comGeorge Russell Warns of ‘Six-Stop’ Tyre Nightmare as New Madrid Circuit Piles Punishment on RubberGeorge Russell expressed concerns about tyre wear ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, highlighting that the high-speed corners, particularly La Monumental, are causing significant strain on the tyres. During practice, the team considered a six-stop strategy due to the extreme degradation observed, which could impact race performance.
Mercedes' deputy team principal, Bradley Lord, supported Russell's concerns, indicating that the continuous cornering without long straights for cooling could lead to unexpected tyre behavior. The circuit's unique layout, combined with Pirelli's harder tyre compounds, suggests that qualifying will be crucial for maintaining track position, especially if overtaking proves challenging during the race.Sat 12 Sep · 20:45 UTCvia RacingNews365Max Verstappen makes ‘BS’ claim as Lando Norris delivers lap of the GodsLando Norris achieved an impressive pole position at the Madring for the Spanish Grand Prix, narrowly beating Kimi Antonelli by just 0.011 seconds. This performance came as a surprise, as Antonelli was considered the frontrunner for the pole before qualifying began. The Ferrari drivers, despite their strong expectations, ended up in fourth and fifth places, while George Russell rounded out the top six.
Max Verstappen criticized the new Madring circuit, labeling a claim about the lack of overtaking space as 'BS.' His comments reflect ongoing discussions about the circuit's design and its impact on racing dynamics. The qualifying session showcased the competitive nature of the field, with Norris's standout lap highlighting his potential in the championship.Sat 12 Sep · 19:30 UTCPage 5 of 11