via gpfans.comMax Verstappen warns Madring circuit 'probably a car killer'Max Verstappen has expressed concerns about the new Madring circuit, labeling it as 'probably a car killer' based on its challenging layout. This assessment echoes comments made by Williams team principal James Vowles, who highlighted issues observed during F3 testing. Despite these concerns, the first practice session for F1 went smoothly, although F2 experienced multiple crashes during qualifying.
Verstappen elaborated on the difficulties of the track, drawing parallels to the Jeddah circuit, particularly regarding the close positioning of walls. He also pointed out that the angled braking zones could complicate overtaking maneuvers, making it a tough challenge for drivers throughout the race weekend.
gpfans.comFri 11 Sep · 19:58 UTC
via Formula1.comLeclerc anticipates exciting qualifying at MadringCharles Leclerc is looking forward to an exciting qualifying session for the Spanish Grand Prix. After experiencing the Madring for the first time, he expressed optimism about Ferrari's performance.
Formula1.com+ 1 moreFri 11 Sep · 19:03 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen pinpoints two critical factors for Red Bull improvementMax Verstappen had a mixed performance during the first day of the Spanish Grand Prix, finishing fifth in FP1 and sixth in FP2. He highlighted the need for Red Bull to improve their one-lap pace and understanding of tyre performance for long runs, as he struggled with the car's balance throughout the sessions.
Despite some frustrations with the car's handling, Verstappen remained optimistic about making adjustments ahead of qualifying. He noted that a clean FP3 session would be beneficial for their performance, as the team aims to enhance their competitiveness on the new Madrid circuit.
RacingNews365Fri 11 Sep · 18:30 UTC
via espn.comAntonelli quickest in FP2 in Madrid, Russell fifthIn the second practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli set the fastest time, outperforming Charles Leclerc by 0.113 seconds. Lewis Hamilton followed closely in third place, while Arvid Lindblad had a significant crash, marking the first major incident at the newly debuted Madring circuit in Madrid.
George Russell, who had topped the first practice session, finished fifth overall. The session was marked by concerns over the circuit's safety, with drivers expressing fears about its high-speed corners and concrete walls. Russell acknowledged the risks involved and noted that he needed luck to challenge Antonelli for the championship, as Antonelli currently leads with seven wins.
espn.comFri 11 Sep · 18:05 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya sees the one area Lando Norris ‘always’ outclasses Oscar PiastriJuan Pablo Montoya feels Mercedes’ George Russell and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri face the same issue because of their teammates, Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris. ...
f1oversteer.comFri 11 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Max Verstappen insider pokes fun at Lewis Hamilton after Spanish GP incidentsDuring the Spanish Grand Prix practice sessions, Lewis Hamilton faced criticism from several drivers for being involved in multiple traffic incidents. Dani Juncadella, a teammate of Max Verstappen, humorously remarked on social media that Hamilton's presence in the way during practice is as certain as death and taxes, highlighting the frustrations of other drivers like Carlos Sainz and Arvid Lindblad.
The practice sessions at the new Madring track were largely clean, except for one red flag incident caused by Lindblad crashing. Despite the overall smoothness of the sessions, Hamilton's actions drew ire from his competitors, with Sainz and Lindblad both voicing their concerns about safety and the dangers posed by Hamilton's positioning on the track.
PlanetF1Fri 11 Sep · 17:40 UTC
via F1iVerstappen holds firm on Madring: “I’ll always prefer Spa”Max Verstappen shared his thoughts on the newly constructed Madring after the opening practice sessions for the Spanish Grand Prix. While he acknowledged the quality of the venue's construction, he reiterated his long-standing preference for traditional circuits like Spa over street circuits, stating that this sentiment would not change. Despite his mixed feelings, he noted that the venue had been well-built but lacked the excitement he finds in more conventional tracks.
In terms of performance, Verstappen finished sixth in the practice sessions, trailing the fastest time by 0.401 seconds. The day was relatively uneventful, with only one red flag caused by a rookie's crash. Verstappen indicated that the Red Bull team needed to improve their car's balance and speed to be competitive, as the Madring presented unique challenges that the entire field was still trying to navigate.
F1iFri 11 Sep · 17:37 UTC%2F16x9%2520single%2520image%2520-%25202026-09-11T170721.519.webp&w=1200&q=70)
via Formula1.com1 videoAntonelli sets the pace ahead of Leclerc during Madring FP2During the second practice session for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli emerged as the fastest driver, clocking a time of 1m 33.662s. He outpaced Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, who finished second and third respectively. The session was interrupted when Arvid Lindblad crashed, which prevented any further improvements to the timesheets after Antonelli's initial lap.
The practice session saw various challenges for drivers, including Fernando Alonso's clutch issue that kept him from participating at the start. Despite the difficulties, the session provided valuable insights for teams as they prepared for the upcoming qualifying rounds. The next practice session is scheduled for September 12 at 12:30 local time.Formula1.comFri 11 Sep · 16:23 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli strikes back in FP2 as Madring claims its first victimKimi Antonelli responded to George Russell's performance in FP1 by achieving the fastest time in FP2 at the Spanish Grand Prix, outperforming notable competitors like Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. The session was marked by a red flag caused by Arvid Lindblad's crash, which halted the proceedings with just over 20 minutes left, while Lando Norris faced a gearbox failure that prevented him from participating further.
Fernando Alonso had a delayed start due to clutch issues from FP1 but managed to complete the session, finishing in 17th place. The session saw competitive times among the top teams, with Antonelli's performance indicating a strong showing from Mercedes as they prepare for the upcoming race.RacingNews365Fri 11 Sep · 16:03 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton factor is breaking Leclerc as insider blames 'psychological pressure'In the 2026 Formula 1 season, Charles Leclerc has faced significant challenges, particularly in comparison to his teammate Lewis Hamilton. After signing a new multi-year deal with Ferrari, Leclerc has not met expectations and currently sits fifth in the Driver's standings, trailing Hamilton by 36 points. His performance has been marred by several crashes, including a heavy incident at Monza, which has raised concerns about his mental state and ability to cope with the pressure of competing alongside a seasoned driver like Hamilton.
Former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley has pointed out that Leclerc's inconsistency and errors this season may be attributed to the psychological pressure of having Hamilton as a teammate. Smedley emphasized that while Hamilton has consistently delivered strong performances, Leclerc's struggles are surprising for a driver with nearly a decade of experience in F1. As Leclerc prepares for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, he will be monitored for any lingering effects from his recent crash.gpfans.comFri 11 Sep · 15:56 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Russell tops first practice in Madrid as Hamilton frustrates other driversIn the first practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, George Russell achieved the fastest time, leading a Mercedes one-two with teammate Kimi Antonelli. Russell's time was 1:34.077, while Antonelli was 0.286 seconds slower. Charles Leclerc managed to secure third place despite recovering from a recent crash, while Lewis Hamilton faced criticism for blocking other drivers during the session.
The tight confines of the Madring circuit led to traffic issues, with Hamilton being called out by several drivers, including Arvid Lindblad and Carlos Sainz, for impeding their flying laps. Despite these challenges, all 22 drivers completed the session without major incidents, indicating a competitive weekend ahead with Mercedes and Ferrari expected to contend for the top positions.
Sky Sports F1Fri 11 Sep · 15:04 UTC
via AutosportWhy Leclerc isn't using latest Ferrari ADUO2 engine in the Spanish GPCharles Leclerc is unable to use Ferrari's latest ADUO2 engine at the Spanish Grand Prix due to ongoing checks following his crash at the Italian GP. Although the engine was deemed structurally sound, Ferrari engineers opted against risking it until further examinations are completed, especially considering the new circuit's demands for data collection and setup optimization.
Leclerc will instead utilize the older ADUO1 engine, allowing Ferrari to assess performance differences between the two units. The decision reflects a cautious approach to ensure reliability and performance, especially given the challenges posed by the Madring circuit.
AutosportFri 11 Sep · 14:33 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc’s instant radio message on Lewis Hamilton moment at Madring proves Ferrari’s changeDuring Free Practice One at the inaugural Madring, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton secured third and fourth places, respectively, while George Russell led the session. Following a challenging performance at Monza, Ferrari showed signs of improvement as both drivers managed to avoid conflicts on track, which was a relief for team principal Fred Vasseur.
Leclerc demonstrated a notable change in behavior by calmly addressing a near-miss with Hamilton over the radio, suggesting a more diplomatic approach within the team. This incident has raised questions about whether this newfound professionalism will persist as the competition intensifies during the race weekend.f1oversteer.comFri 11 Sep · 13:30 UTC
via CrashAndrea Kimi Antonelli tops final practice in MadridAndrea Kimi Antonelli recorded the fastest time in the final practice session for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix. He finished 0.166 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc, while George Russell placed further down the order.
Crash+ 3 moreFri 11 Sep · 12:40 UTC
via Motorsport.comJames Hinchcliffe warns Fred Vasseur faces "tremendous" pressure over Ferrari team ordersJames Hinchcliffe has expressed that Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, is under significant pressure to clarify team orders between drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. This comes after recent races where both drivers faced challenges, including a lack of communication during the Dutch Grand Prix and a clash at the Italian Grand Prix.
Vasseur acknowledged the need for discussions regarding team orders but refuted claims of an internal crisis within Ferrari. He stated that while there are existing rules, they cannot cover every possible scenario on the track, indicating a need for clearer guidelines moving forward.
Motorsport.comFri 11 Sep · 12:22 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMadring designer pinpoints the corner he expects Max Verstappen to show his ‘nerves of steel’Jarno Zaffelli, the designer of the Madring circuit, has highlighted Turns 5 and 6 as a critical area where Max Verstappen is expected to showcase his skill. The circuit, which will host the Spanish Grand Prix for the next decade, has already posed challenges for drivers, as indicated by Carlos Sainz's comments on the difficulties faced during simulator testing.
Additionally, Turn 12, referred to as La Monumental, has gained attention due to its steep gradient and significant compression forces. Zaffelli mentioned that initial plans for a steeper banking at this corner were abandoned due to safety concerns from the FIA and Formula 1 regarding the capabilities of current cars.f1oversteer.comFri 11 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Lewis Hamilton delivers verdict on Charles Leclerc clash as Ferrari tensions easeLewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have resolved their differences following a clash during the Italian Grand Prix. After a one-on-one discussion, Leclerc admitted to Hamilton that he overstepped in his defensive maneuvers, allowing them to move past the incident. Hamilton expressed appreciation for the open dialogue and noted that such tensions are not unusual among competitive teammates in Formula 1.
Despite clearing the air, Hamilton remains focused on improving his performance, as he is significantly behind in the championship standings. He recognizes that while mathematically the title is still possible, the gap is substantial, and he aims to concentrate on maximizing his results in upcoming races.PlanetF1Fri 11 Sep · 08:50 UTC
via RacingNews365Verstappen issues 'warning' to karting opponent: 'I'll plough him into the wall!'Max Verstappen is set to compete in a unique karting challenge at Silverstone following the Spanish Grand Prix. This event, scheduled for September 16, will see him racing against 100 participants, which include Red Bull athletes and various media figures. Verstappen humorously warned a friend, who is also participating, to be cautious or risk being pushed into the barrier during the race.
In the karting event, Verstappen will have 30 laps to navigate through the field, eliminating opponents as he overtakes them. His playful remarks about the race dynamics and the positioning of competitors highlight his competitive spirit and sense of humor ahead of the event.RacingNews365Fri 11 Sep · 08:45 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURFerrari F1 boss hits back at Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeclercFerrari F1 team principal Fred Vasseur has publicly addressed criticism from drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following a challenging Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The race saw Leclerc crash out early and Hamilton finish in sixth place after their on-track collision on the first lap. Vasseur emphasized the need for both drivers to prioritize the team's interests and take responsibility for their actions on the track, reflecting on the importance of team unity in achieving success.
In his statement, Vasseur acknowledged the pressures of his role and the speculation surrounding his future at Ferrari. He clarified that while he encourages open communication, drivers must be mindful of how their comments can be interpreted by the media. Vasseur's remarks come as Ferrari aims to improve its performance, currently holding second place in the Constructors' Championship, and he remains focused on the team's progress despite external pressures.gpfans.comFri 11 Sep · 07:59 UTC
via Motorsport.comCharles Leclerc gives insight into eyesight problem after Monza F1 crashCharles Leclerc provided details about his experience following a crash at the Italian Grand Prix, where he lost control of his car and hit the barriers. Although he initially faced some vision issues in his right eye, he reported that these problems were short-lived and resolved shortly after the incident. Leclerc was cleared from the medical center but mentioned he would need further checks to ensure his fitness for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.
In the days following the crash, Leclerc underwent several medical evaluations, mainly addressing neck tightness. He described the crash as significant but noted that he felt fine after the initial shock wore off. Leclerc's medical assessments were satisfactory, allowing him to prepare for the next race without major concerns.Motorsport.comFri 11 Sep · 07:48 UTC
via PlanetF1Kimi Antonelli avoided ‘unbelievable’ Ferrari pressure by joining MercedesKimi Antonelli achieved a remarkable victory at the Italian Grand Prix, marking a significant milestone as the first Italian winner of the event since 1966. Starting from 19th on the grid, he showcased his skill by racing to first place, further solidifying his lead in the drivers' standings with a substantial 66-point advantage over his teammate, George Russell.
Karun Chandhok emphasized that Antonelli's decision to join Mercedes instead of Ferrari has alleviated immense pressure on him, allowing him to thrive in his early Formula 1 career. Chandhok believes this strategic choice by Antonelli's father has been pivotal in shaping his son's success, suggesting that the absence of Ferrari's intense scrutiny has been beneficial for Antonelli's development as a driver.PlanetF1Fri 11 Sep · 07:18 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari Faces Pressure to Address Hamilton-Leclerc TensionsLewis Hamilton has expressed frustration over Ferrari's lack of response to his suggestions for 'rules of engagement.' Meanwhile, there are calls for Ferrari to take action to alleviate the growing tension between Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.gpfans.comFri 11 Sep · 06:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc isn’t contractually ‘allowed’ to do what Lewis Hamilton routinely does at FerrariCharles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton participated in a Ferrari event before the Monza race, highlighting the demanding nature of the weekend. A notable difference in their contracts emerged, as Hamilton is allowed to decline interview requests, giving him more control over his media engagements compared to Leclerc, who must adhere to Ferrari's guidelines.
This contractual disparity affects their visibility and interactions with fans. Leclerc's extensive media presence contrasts with Hamilton's limited interviews, which may influence public perception, especially after a controversial incident during the race where Hamilton accused Leclerc of causing him to lose positions.f1oversteer.comFri 11 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via newsonf1.comLeclerc cleared to race as Ferrari tension coolsSep.11 (GMM) Charles Leclerc has been cleared to race in Madrid after further medical checks following his heavy Monza crash, while Ferrari appears to have calmed the tensions exposed during its disastrous home weekend. “It felt like a serious accident,” Leclerc, who reported vision problems after the impact, said on Thursday. “But all the checks…newsonf1.comFri 11 Sep · 03:53 UTC