Andrea Kimi AntonelliMax VerstappenSergio Pérez 
via gpfans.comF1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton blasted by F1 rival as Max Verstappen names potential Red Bull replacementLewis Hamilton faced criticism for his driving during the first practice session at the Madring, where several drivers experienced impediments on their hot laps. This incident has raised concerns ahead of the qualifying session scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
Max Verstappen humorously suggested that he could be replaced at Red Bull by Robin Raikkonen, the son of former champion Kimi Raikkonen, who has just joined the team's junior program. Additionally, Charles Leclerc will have a power unit disadvantage compared to Hamilton due to Ferrari's decision to use a previously used engine, while FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his surprise at the possibility of Fernando Alonso retiring from Formula 1.
gpfans.comSat 12 Sep · 06:45 UTC
via grandprix.comVerstappen seeks qualifying speed after clean Madrid startMax Verstappen and Red Bull Racing had a productive first day at the Madring circuit, finishing fifth and sixth in the opening practice sessions. Despite a clean start, Verstappen expressed a desire for improved qualifying speed and a clearer understanding of tire performance over race stints, as the team prepares for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.
Technical director Pierre Wache highlighted challenges with the road surface, particularly in the high-speed sections, which were bumpier than anticipated. As the team looks ahead to final practice, they aim to enhance the car's balance and speed to capitalize on any opportunities during the race.grandprix.comSat 12 Sep · 00:59 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen reveals laid-back approach to 100-driver Silverstone challengeMax Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 champion, is set to participate in a unique challenge at Silverstone where he aims to overtake 100 go-karters in just 30 laps. Despite the daunting task of starting from the back of the grid, Verstappen has revealed that he has not prepared for the event and plans to simply show up and race. He expressed a laid-back attitude towards the challenge, stating he is unsure of the format and just intends to enjoy the experience.
The challenge has attracted comments from fellow drivers, including Charles Leclerc, who cautioned Verstappen about the potential risks of racing against a large number of less experienced drivers. Carlos Sainz also weighed in, suggesting that Verstappen could quickly move to the front based on his own karting experience. The event is expected to be both entertaining and challenging, showcasing Verstappen's skills against a diverse group of competitors.
Motorsport.comFri 11 Sep · 22:26 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen admits he could be replaced at Red Bull by Kimi Raikkonen's sonMax Verstappen recently commented on the possibility of being replaced at Red Bull by Robin Raikkonen, the son of former F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen, who has just joined the team's junior programme. Verstappen met the Raikkonen family at the Italian Grand Prix and acknowledged the significance of Robin's signing, joking about the future need for a seat for the young driver in the team.
Kimi Raikkonen expressed his enthusiasm for his son's inclusion in the Red Bull Junior Team, highlighting the program's history of success with notable alumni. He emphasized the support received from Red Bull and the commitment Robin will make to develop his racing skills, as he has already shown promise in various karting competitions.gpfans.comFri 11 Sep · 21:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comGuenther Steiner backs Kimi Antonelli for Ferrari seatGuenther Steiner, the former Haas Formula 1 team principal, stated that Kimi Antonelli should be in a Ferrari after his remarkable victory at the Italian Grand Prix. David Coulthard also praised Antonelli's performance, describing his rise from 19th on the grid to first as a career-defining moment.Motorsport.comFri 11 Sep · 21:24 UTC
via f1chronicle.comKimi Antonelli leads opening day at MadringKimi Antonelli and Lando Norris have both taken turns leading during the events at the Madring circuit in Spain. Antonelli also topped the qualifying session, showcasing strong performance throughout the opening day.
f1chronicle.com+ 1 moreFri 11 Sep · 20:55 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer saw Liam Lawson do ‘mighty’ thing Max Verstappen is always praised for at the MadringLiam Lawson has stepped in for the injured Isack Hadjar at the Spanish Grand Prix, impressing pundit Jolyon Palmer with his quick adaptation to the new Madring circuit during the first practice session. Palmer noted that Lawson appeared to be at home in the Red Bull RB22, showcasing competitive lap times early on.
Max Verstappen, who also participated in FP1, acknowledged the immediate competitiveness of both Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda in their temporary roles. Despite Verstappen finishing the session ahead of Lawson, the latter's performance marked a significant improvement from his previous outing at Monza, where he faced several challenges.
f1oversteer.comFri 11 Sep · 20:00 UTC
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 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 grandprix.comCadillac pays twice for Perez pit-lane speedingDuring the opening practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madrid circuit, Cadillac faced financial penalties due to Sergio Perez exceeding the pit-lane speed limit on two occasions. The first infraction saw Perez clock in at 53.9 mph, resulting in a fine of approximately $810, while the second infraction, where he reached 60.1 mph, incurred a fine of about $1,160. This brought Cadillac's total fines to around $1,970, marking a challenging start for the team at the new venue.
The penalties were issued under Article B1.6.3a.i of the FIA Formula 1 regulations and were classified as team fines, meaning they did not affect Perez's sporting penalties for the weekend. Despite the financial setbacks, Perez's performance in the session was subpar, finishing 21st and only ahead of his teammate Valtteri Bottas. The incident highlights the challenges teams face with pit-lane management, especially at a circuit with a long pit lane like Madring.grandprix.comFri 11 Sep · 15:44 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 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 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 f1oversteer.comSergio Perez shares what he ‘tried to do’ that likely cost George Russell the Italian Grand Prix winSergio Perez revealed that a sudden battery issue contributed to George Russell's missed opportunity to win the 2026 Italian Grand Prix. Russell, who was favored to win, was affected by Perez's slowdown during a virtual safety car, costing him valuable time as Antonelli, starting from P19, overtook him to secure victory.
Russell's loss at Monza has significant implications for the championship standings, as he now sits 66 points behind Antonelli. Despite the setback, Russell acknowledged his teammate's superior performance this season and expressed a realistic outlook on his chances for the title, emphasizing the need for luck in the remaining races.f1oversteer.comFri 11 Sep · 09:00 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 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 RaceFansOn This Day: Antonelli starts his first car race, Bearman wins | BriefOn September 11, 2021, Andrea Kimi Antonelli made his debut in car racing during the Italian Formula 4 event at the Red Bull Ring. He qualified in tenth position and managed to secure a ninth-place finish in his first race. The event was notable for Oliver Bearman winning the race, but the podium ceremony was marred when a large piece of signage fell on Bearman and third-place finisher Sebastian Montoya.
In addition to his initial race, Antonelli participated in two more races during the event, finishing twelfth in the second race and ninth in the final race, which took place in wet conditions. Antonelli's performance marked the beginning of his career in competitive car racing, showcasing his potential in the motorsport arena.
RaceFansThu 10 Sep · 23:01 UTC
via Formula1.comHow Verstappen and Lawson rate Red Bull's chances in MadridMax Verstappen and Liam Lawson evaluated Red Bull Racing's prospects for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, which will be held at the new Madring circuit. Both drivers acknowledged the unique challenges posed by the high-speed street layout, which could lead to unpredictable outcomes and potentially allow Red Bull to secure their first victory of the 2026 season.
Verstappen emphasized the importance of practice sessions for gaining confidence in the car, while Lawson noted his ongoing adaptation to the team's 2026 vehicle. Both drivers expressed the need for time to learn the new track and improve their performance, with Lawson specifically mentioning the challenges of racing in a car that is not tailored to his preferences.Formula1.comThu 10 Sep · 18:27 UTC