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via Motorsport.comDrivers criticise Madrid GP for lack of overtakingMax Verstappen and other Formula 1 drivers have expressed disappointment with the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, citing a lack of overtaking opportunities. Verstappen described the race as a 'deadly sleep machine', highlighting the need for changes to improve the track's competitiveness.
via f1oversteer.comAlonso and Sainz blame each other for Madrid crashFernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz exchanged accusations following their collision during the race at the Madring circuit. Alonso criticized Sainz for forcing him toward the wall, while Sainz defended himself by calling the penalty excessive and pointing to the track's design.
via Motorsport WeekEx-F1 star urges Spain to ‘not fall asleep’ on producing the next Fernando AlonsoPedro de la Rosa, a former F1 driver, has called for increased investment in young Spanish drivers to ensure the continuation of success in Formula 1, following the legacies of Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz. He emphasized the importance of nurturing new talent to maintain Spain's presence in the sport, especially with the recent addition of the Madring circuit hosting its second Grand Prix.
De la Rosa praised the rapid development of the Madring circuit and highlighted the need for Spanish companies to support emerging drivers. He noted that while Spain currently has notable drivers, the lack of investment could hinder the country's chances of producing future champions. De la Rosa's comments serve as a reminder for Spain to capitalize on its current F1 successes and actively foster the next generation of racing talent.
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 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.
via PlanetF1FIA Issues Penalty Following Spanish Grand Prix InvestigationThe FIA has confirmed a penalty for Valtteri Bottas after an investigation related to the Spanish Grand Prix. The decision comes after the stewards conducted a thorough review of the events during the race.
via F1iSainz delivers a stark warning over Williams’ Baku upgradeCarlos Sainz has expressed cautious optimism regarding Williams' upcoming upgrade for the Baku race, acknowledging that while it may help the team improve, it won't significantly alter their current struggles. Williams has had a disappointing 2026 season, sitting ninth in the Constructors' standings with just 11 points, and both drivers have not added to that tally since Monaco.
Sainz, who recently extended his contract with Williams, emphasizes the need for the team to learn from their mistakes this season. He views the Baku upgrade as a small step forward rather than a complete turnaround, urging the team to demonstrate improvement in the upcoming season to avoid a prolonged decline.
via gpfans.comF1 Results Today: Spanish Grand Prix final practice times and positionsFinal practice for the Spanish Grand Prix was marked by a crash from Lewis Hamilton, which caused a lengthy red flag period. The session was interrupted for about 20 minutes for barrier repairs after Hamilton's incident, which ended his practice early. Following the stoppage, drivers took advantage of the remaining time to conduct qualifying simulations.
Kimi Antonelli topped the timing sheets with a fastest lap of 1:32.797s, followed closely by Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri. The session also saw another red flag due to Ollie Bearman's crash, highlighting the challenges faced by drivers at the new Madring circuit.
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.
via Motorsport WeekCarlos Sainz confirms Williams ‘putting all the eggs in next year’s basket’Carlos Sainz expressed confidence in Williams' future despite a challenging season, stating that the team is 'putting all the eggs in next year's basket.' Currently, Williams sits ninth in the Constructor's Standings with only 11 points, and Sainz noted that both he and teammate Alex Albon have not added to their tally since the Monaco Grand Prix. An upgraded chassis is expected to be introduced at the upcoming race in Azerbaijan, which Sainz hopes will improve their performance.
Sainz also highlighted the importance of learning from the difficulties faced this season, referring to it as a 'bump on the road.' He emphasized the need for the team to bounce back next year and show signs of improvement. Despite the current struggles, Sainz reaffirmed his commitment to Williams by signing a multi-year contract extension, indicating his belief in the team's potential to turn things around.
via F1iLindblad insists his P4 charge in Madrid FP2 was 'on merit'Arvid Lindblad, a rookie driver for Racing Bulls, showcased impressive speed during the Friday practice sessions in Madrid, finishing P4 in FP2 after a P7 in FP1. Despite crashing at Turn 13, he emphasized that his strong performance was achieved on merit, being only two tenths off the fastest time. Lindblad acknowledged the crash's impact on his mechanics but remained optimistic about the team's prospects for qualifying.
Yuki Tsunoda also performed well, finishing P8 in FP2, contributing to a positive outlook for Racing Bulls. Team principal Alan Permane expressed confidence in the car's speed and potential for qualifying, indicating that both drivers could aim for a spot in Q3. The new Madrid circuit provided a unique challenge for all drivers, but Lindblad's pace and the team's overall performance were encouraging.
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.
via newsonf1.comHamilton under fire for ‘unsportsmanlike’ drivingLewis Hamilton has been criticized by several drivers for his slow driving during practice at the new Madring circuit. Yuki Tsunoda and Carlos Sainz expressed their frustration, with Sainz directly accusing Hamilton of obstructing other cars. Nico Hulkenberg and Ralf Schumacher also commented on Hamilton's driving style, labeling it as unsportsmanlike and problematic for other competitors.
The practice session was relatively calm compared to earlier incidents in Formula 2 and Formula 3. Aston Martin's Mike Krack indicated that teams instructed drivers to be conservative to avoid damage. George Russell acknowledged the high-risk nature of the track, while Max Verstappen expressed his preference for traditional circuits over street tracks like Madring.
via f1oversteer.comAlex Albon admits Carlos Sainz has ‘surprised’ him with one ‘impressive’ quality at WilliamsAlex Albon has expressed admiration for his teammate Carlos Sainz, highlighting Sainz's technical understanding and impressive work ethic. Albon believes that Sainz's experience and intelligence are beneficial for their team, especially given their current challenges in the 2026 season.
Despite a tough season for both drivers, Sainz remains committed to Williams and aims to help the team grow. With only 11 points scored this season, Sainz's contributions are crucial as they head into the upcoming Madrid Grand Prix.
via Formula1.comLindblad highlights positives despite FP2 crash in SpainArvid Lindblad expressed satisfaction with his performance despite crashing out during FP2 at the Spanish Grand Prix. He achieved P4 on the timesheets, demonstrating strong pace with purple sectors before losing control of his car at Turn 13, which caused a red flag and disrupted the session for others. Lindblad acknowledged the mistake but remained optimistic about the team's overall performance and his potential for the upcoming qualifying session.
Team Principal Alan Permane echoed Lindblad's sentiments, highlighting the team's encouraging results and the car's speed. He noted that both drivers showed good pace, with Lindblad and Tsunoda positioned well within the top ten. Permane expressed confidence in the team's ability to fine-tune their performance ahead of FP3 and aimed for both cars to qualify in Q3.
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.
via CrashArvid Lindblad counts the cost of Madrid F1 shuntArvid Lindblad experienced a significant crash during the second practice session for the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, resulting in the only red flag of the session. Prior to the incident, he showcased impressive speed, securing fourth place in qualifying simulations, but lost control of his Racing Bulls car at Turn 13, leading to a heavy impact with the barriers.
Despite the damage to his car, which included the floor and suspension, Lindblad reported that he was uninjured and expressed concern for his team's workload due to the repairs needed. He remains optimistic about his performance potential for the remainder of the weekend, emphasizing the importance of qualifying and his strong pace before the crash.
via Formula1.comHow Sainz became the heart of the Spanish GP in MadridThe Spanish Grand Prix has returned to Madrid after more than four decades, marking a significant moment for local driver Carlos Sainz, who has become a central figure in the event. Sainz, who began his racing career in Madrid, expresses pride in being able to race in his hometown and serve as an ambassador for the Grand Prix, highlighting the emotional connection he shares with the city and its residents.
Fans in Madrid have shown immense support for Sainz, reflecting on his journey since his F1 debut in 2015. The excitement surrounding the race weekend is palpable, with many locals feeling a personal connection to Sainz, who embodies the spirit of Madrid through his dedication and success in motorsport.
via f1oversteer.comCarlos Sainz just explained why leaving Williams alone would not be enough to become an F1 championCarlos Sainz has committed his future to Williams by signing a multi-year contract despite the team's struggles in the 2026 season. He noted that while Williams had competitive performances in 2025, they have regressed this year, missing pre-season testing and lacking pace. Sainz's decision to stay is influenced by his desire to lead a project and the examples set by recent champions who have built their success within their teams.
Sainz explained that world champions like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have demonstrated the importance of sticking with a team to develop a strong relationship and competitive car. He believes that his best times in Formula 1 are still ahead of him and is motivated to return to the front of the grid with Williams, recalling his recent podium finishes and expressing confidence in future opportunities.
via Motorsport.com“It's always the same” - Carlos Sainz wades into Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton’s Monza clashCarlos Sainz commented on the recent clash between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton during the Italian Grand Prix, drawing from his own experiences as a teammate with Leclerc at Ferrari. He noted that disagreements are common among competitive teammates, but they typically resolve their issues internally. Sainz emphasized that such situations are normal when fighting for podiums and wins.
Leclerc's collision with Hamilton at Monza resulted in Hamilton falling to 10th place, while Leclerc maintained third. Post-race, Leclerc acknowledged shared responsibility for the incident, while Hamilton firmly disagreed, asserting he was ahead during the collision. Hamilton also expressed concerns about Ferrari's team dynamics and communication, highlighting a lack of established rules of engagement compared to his previous experience at Mercedes.Page 5 of 13