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via Formula1.comWhat the teams said – Qualifying in SpainLando Norris of McLaren achieved pole position for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, clocking a lap time of 1:31.824. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, faced challenges during qualifying, ultimately finishing in 7th place. Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes narrowly missed pole, qualifying 2nd, while George Russell ended up in 6th position after a less than ideal final run.
The qualifying session highlighted the competitive nature of the field, with only fractions of seconds separating the top drivers. Teams expressed mixed feelings about their performances, with McLaren celebrating Norris's achievement while acknowledging Piastri's potential for improvement. Mercedes remained optimistic about their chances in the race despite the challenges posed by the track conditions.
Sat 12 Sep · 19:12 UTC
via espn.comKimi Antonelli Anticipates Cautious Start at Madring Grand PrixKimi Antonelli is preparing for a cautious approach during the early laps of the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at Madring. The young Mercedes driver noted that the unfamiliarity of the track may lead to a conservative driving style initially.
+ 1 moreSat 12 Sep · 19:07 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris hailed for "sensational" Spanish GP pole after FP2 setback: "Found his beast mode"Lando Norris achieved a surprising pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix, receiving significant praise from fans for his performance. He narrowly edged out championship leader Kimi Antonelli by a mere 0.011 seconds, with Max Verstappen in third place. Norris's accomplishment was particularly impressive given that he missed most of the second free practice session due to a gearbox problem, which affected his preparation for qualifying.
Fans expressed their admiration for Norris's lap, describing it as 'sensational' and noting that he seems to have found a new level of confidence this season. The upcoming race is set to take place on September 13, highlighting the excitement surrounding Norris's recent form and the competitive nature of the event.
Sat 12 Sep · 18:23 UTC
via Motorsport.comF1 Spanish GP at Madring: Sunday schedule, weather forecast and how to watchThe Spanish Grand Prix at Madring will feature Lando Norris starting from pole position after a close qualifying session, where he narrowly edged out championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Max Verstappen will begin the race in third place, while George Russell qualified sixth, indicating a competitive field for the event.
The weather forecast for the race day predicts hot and dry conditions, with temperatures reaching around 32°C. This will pose challenges for teams regarding tire management and vehicle cooling as they adapt to the new circuit layout, which combines public roads with high-speed sections.Sat 12 Sep · 17:49 UTC
via Sky Sports F1'No idea what to expect’ – F1 braced for Madring debut race mysteryThe inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring circuit is set to take place with Lando Norris starting from pole position. The race features a grid that includes Kimi Antonelli, Max Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton, all of whom are facing uncertainties regarding tyre degradation and overtaking opportunities on the new track.
Drivers have reported significant challenges with tyre management, particularly due to high degradation observed during practice sessions. As the race approaches, the leading competitors are strategizing on how to handle the potential for chaotic racing conditions, with the outcome likely hinging on tyre performance and the ability to overtake.
Sat 12 Sep · 17:47 UTC
via Motorsport.comArvid Lindblad: “I’m not going to beat myself up for crashing”Arvid Lindblad experienced a significant crash during the second practice session at the Spanish Grand Prix, which impacted his running time and required a chassis change. Despite this setback, he managed to qualify in 10th place, demonstrating resilience and speed by matching and outperforming his teammate Yuki Tsunoda in qualifying rounds.
Lindblad acknowledged the challenges posed by the crash but emphasized that mistakes are part of the learning process in Formula 1. He has shown consistent performance throughout the season, having not retired from any races and achieving points in most of the recent rounds.Sat 12 Sep · 17:33 UTC
via F1iHamilton pins Madring pole miss on ‘dodgy set of tyres’Lewis Hamilton faced disappointment during qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix, where he initially showed strong pace but ultimately finished fourth. He attributed his inability to secure pole position to issues with his final set of tyres, which he described as 'dodgy'. Despite a solid first run in Q3, Hamilton struggled with grip on his final lap, allowing Lando Norris, Kimi Antonelli, and Max Verstappen to surpass him on the grid.
Hamilton's teammate, Charles Leclerc, also expressed frustration after qualifying fifth, noting the narrow margins that separated them from pole position. Both drivers acknowledged the importance of tyre management for the upcoming race, especially given the challenging conditions at the Madring circuit.
Sat 12 Sep · 17:32 UTC
via Formula1.comVerstappen explains focus for Spanish GP from P3Max Verstappen qualified in third position for the Spanish Grand Prix, which will take place at the newly introduced Madring circuit. Despite struggling in practice sessions, he managed to secure a strong qualifying result, finishing behind Lando Norris and Kimi Antonelli. Verstappen highlighted that the team still has areas to improve, particularly in the final sector of the track.
Looking ahead to the race, Verstappen emphasized the importance of tyre management, anticipating a challenging race due to the demands on the tyres. He expressed a positive outlook on the team's performance and is eager to maximize their strategy during the event.Sat 12 Sep · 17:24 UTC
via gpfans.comVerstappen pleased with Red Bull's qualifying performanceMax Verstappen expressed satisfaction with his performance during qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix, securing third place on the grid. He noted that Red Bull's results exceeded expectations, particularly after a strong final run.
+ 1 moreSat 12 Sep · 16:50 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell explains Madring qualifying strugglesGeorge Russell qualified sixth for the Spanish Grand Prix, falling short of expectations. He attributed his performance to issues encountered during the Q3 session, while his teammate Kimi Antonelli secured second place.+ 1 moreSat 12 Sep · 16:31 UTC
via RacingNews365Oliver Bearman ruled out of F1 qualifying after heavy FP3 shuntOliver Bearman will not participate in the qualifying session for the Spanish Grand Prix after a significant crash during the final practice session. The incident occurred at Turn 11 with less than a minute remaining in FP3, where Bearman finished in P13, closely trailing his teammate Esteban Ocon.
Due to the damage sustained in the crash, Haas was unable to complete repairs on Bearman's car in time for qualifying. As a result, he will start the race from the rear of the grid, and the team announced his withdrawal from qualifying just before the session commenced.
Sat 12 Sep · 13:59 UTC
via Formula1.comTheophile Nael wins first-ever F3 Madring raceTheophile Nael achieved victory in the inaugural Formula 3 Sprint Race at the Madring circuit, marking his third win of the 2026 season. Starting from second position, he quickly overtook James Wharton to take the lead and maintained his dominance throughout the race, ultimately securing the fastest lap as well.
Wharton finished in second place, earning his second podium of the season, while Alex Powell claimed third, marking his first podium in the championship. Ugo Ugochukwu added valuable points to his tally, narrowing the gap to the championship leader Freddie Slater, who faced challenges during qualifying.Sat 12 Sep · 11:25 UTC
via RacingNews365Racing Bulls in race against time with Arvid LindbladArvid Lindblad faced a challenging situation during the practice sessions for the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, as he was the only driver to crash, leading to a red flag. The incident occurred in FP2, where Lindblad lost control of his car at Turn 13, resulting in significant damage that required an overnight repair and a chassis change.
The Racing Bulls team worked frantically to prepare Lindblad's car for the final practice session. The crash highlighted the difficulties posed by the newly designed track, which had been anticipated to create chaos among drivers. Lindblad's performance in his rookie season has been notable, but this incident put him in a race against time to get back on track.Sat 12 Sep · 10:43 UTC
via grandprix.comHamilton draws criticism over Madrid practice trafficDuring the Friday practice session at Madring, Lewis Hamilton faced criticism from multiple drivers for his slow laps, which they felt obstructed their performance. Notable complaints came from Carlos Sainz and Nico Hulkenberg, while Yuki Tsunoda's thumbs-up gesture was seen as sarcastic. Ralf Schumacher also weighed in, labeling Hamilton's actions as unsportsmanlike, although no penalties were handed out at that time.
The new circuit posed challenges for all drivers, with many opting to drive cautiously to avoid accidents. George Russell noted that the risk of incidents would likely increase as qualifying approached, emphasizing that Madring offers less margin for error compared to other tracks like Monaco. The situation regarding traffic management is expected to become more critical as drivers push for faster lap times.
via RacingNews365Oliver Bearman spots 'oversight' in new Madrid F1 track layoutOliver Bearman, a Haas driver, has raised concerns about the new Madrid F1 track layout, calling it an 'oversight' that could hinder overtaking during the race. The Madring, which will host the Spanish Grand Prix, features a challenging 22-turn, 3.3-mile circuit that includes a significant banked turn and numerous 90-degree corners, making it difficult for drivers to execute overtaking maneuvers.
Bearman specifically pointed out that the curved braking zone at Turn 5 limits the potential for overtaking, which he believes detracts from the overall racing experience. He emphasized the importance of qualifying on this track, suggesting that drivers will need to focus on securing good grid positions due to the anticipated challenges in overtaking during the race.Sat 12 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via the-race.comF1's TV coverage is letting its Madrid track downThe Madring, a new addition to the Formula 1 calendar, has been criticized for its television coverage, which fails to capture the circuit's unique features and challenges. Despite being a visually impressive venue in person, the urban design and camera angles diminish the experience for viewers at home, making it appear flatter and less exciting than it is in reality.
Improvements are expected in the future as the circuit becomes more established and camera positions are optimized. The design of the track itself has been praised, but there is a call for better presentation to showcase its distinctiveness and the driving challenges it offers. The article emphasizes the importance of effectively showcasing new circuits to build excitement among fans.
Sat 12 Sep · 09:13 UTC
via the-race.comF1 teams face big Madring strategy dilemmaThe Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring is presenting significant strategic dilemmas for Formula 1 teams, as they navigate between a one-stop and two-stop race strategy. Pirelli has indicated that the combination of a long pitlane and high levels of tyre degradation, particularly with front left graining, complicates decision-making. Teams are expected to face challenges in managing tyre performance throughout the race weekend, with the potential for extreme degradation impacting lap times.
Drivers like George Russell and Oscar Piastri have expressed concerns over tyre management, with Russell humorously suggesting a six-stop race might be necessary based on initial practice results. Pirelli's chief engineer highlighted the unpredictability of tyre performance due to high grip and smooth surfaces, which could lead to varying strategies among teams. As the race approaches, teams are weighing their options carefully, with some opting to reserve hard tyres for resilience against degradation.Sat 12 Sep · 08:52 UTC
via Motorsport.comPain in Spain goes mainly down the drain, explains PermaneAt the Spanish Grand Prix, Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane commended the team's performance on Friday, despite a crash by driver Arvid Lindblad at Turn 13 during FP2. Lindblad's crash cut his session short, but he still managed to secure fourth place in the overall times, showcasing the car's strong pace. Yuki Tsunoda also performed well, finishing in the top 10 despite facing power steering issues.
Permane expressed optimism about the team's prospects for qualifying, stating that they could potentially get both cars into Q3. Lindblad acknowledged his mistake leading to the crash but remained positive about the team's speed and the lessons learned. He noted that the track's grip would improve, which could benefit their performance in the upcoming sessions.Sat 12 Sep · 08:41 UTC
via Motorsport WeekHamilton urges Ferrari to close gap to MercedesLewis Hamilton acknowledged the need for Ferrari to improve its performance to catch up with Mercedes and McLaren. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc expressed optimism about Ferrari's advancements despite recognizing that they remain behind their competitors.
+ 1 moreSat 12 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Madring reveals staggering difference between Mercedes, Ferrari and the restDuring the initial free practice sessions at the Madring track, Mercedes and Ferrari demonstrated a significant performance advantage over other teams, showcasing their ability to achieve optimal car balance. This allowed both teams to refine their setups effectively, with the W17 and SF-26 proving to be versatile across different circuit types.
The performance characteristics of the two cars differ, with Mercedes leading in powertrain efficiency and Ferrari showing superior vehicle dynamics. As the sessions progressed, the time gap between the two teams decreased, highlighting their competitive edge, while tyre performance emerged as a crucial factor in maintaining pace under challenging track conditions.Sat 12 Sep · 07:50 UTCPage 6 of 11
