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via RacingNews365George Russell draws first blood in Madrid as drivers frustrated by traffic chaosGeorge Russell achieved the fastest time in the opening practice session of the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, finishing with a time of 1:34.077. His teammate Kimi Antonelli followed closely in second place, as both Mercedes drivers showcased a strong start to the weekend.
Despite concerns about potential red flags due to the circuit's challenges, the session proceeded without major interruptions, aside from a brief yellow flag. Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton secured third and fourth positions, while Max Verstappen and Lando Norris rounded out the top six, highlighting the competitive nature of the session amidst traffic issues faced by several drivers.
Fri 11 Sep · 12:37 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell Leads Calm First Practice at Spanish Grand PrixGeorge Russell secured the fastest time in the first practice session for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix held at the Madring. The session was notably uneventful, with minimal incidents reported.+ 4 moreFri 11 Sep · 12:30 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell Leads First Practice at New Madring CircuitGeorge Russell achieved the fastest time in the inaugural Free Practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit. He was followed closely by his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, marking a strong start for the team.
via the-race.comKimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen Shine in Madring PracticesThe first day of Formula 1 practice at Madring featured notable performances from Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen. Antonelli topped the times in the second session, while Verstappen led the first practice.
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.
Fri 11 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton claims Ferrari F1 move BLOCKED by Fernando AlonsoLewis Hamilton revealed that his potential move to Ferrari was hindered by Fernando Alonso, who held veto rights during negotiations. Hamilton stated that he spoke with former Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali about joining the team, but Alonso's status as the number one driver played a significant role in blocking the move.
Hamilton and Alonso previously had a tumultuous partnership at McLaren in 2007, which ended with Alonso leaving the team after just one season. While Alonso continued with Ferrari until 2014, Hamilton moved to Mercedes, where he achieved significant success, ultimately joining Ferrari in 2025.
Fri 11 Sep · 10:57 UTCvia RacingNews365George Russell comes to 'crazy' realisation after 19 red flags in Madring testGeorge Russell reacted to the 19 red flags observed during the FIA F3 test at the Madring circuit, expressing that he expected more incidents based on his simulator experience. He highlighted the challenging nature of the track, which features tight walls and high-speed corners, making it a risky environment for drivers.
Russell drew comparisons between Madring and other circuits like Jeddah and Baku, emphasizing the difficulty of overtaking and the potential for accidents. He conveyed excitement about the upcoming challenges that the new circuit will present to drivers.Fri 11 Sep · 09:50 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.Fri 11 Sep · 08:45 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.Fri 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.Fri 11 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton Comments on Ferrari's Madring Filming Day BenefitsLewis Hamilton has stated that Ferrari gained minimal advantage from their recent filming day at the Madring track. The session involved running the 2026 car ahead of the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.+ 1 moreFri 11 Sep · 04:30 UTC
via lightsoutblog.com2026 Spanish Grand Prix: Milestones and F1 Records Which Could Be BrokenThe 2026 Spanish Grand Prix marks a significant milestone as it will be the 1,163rd race in Formula 1 history and the 64th event held in Spain. This race will take place at the new Madring, which is the sixth venue to host the Spanish Grand Prix. Red Bull is set to make their 431st Grand Prix start, potentially overtaking Tyrrell for fifth place in the all-time constructor starts list.
Several records are on the line during this event, including Lewis Hamilton's pursuit of a seventh Spanish Grand Prix victory, which would set him apart from Michael Schumacher. Additionally, Max Verstappen aims to secure his 72nd win with Red Bull, equaling Schumacher's record for the most victories with a single constructor. The race also presents opportunities for other drivers to achieve personal milestones, such as podium finishes and pole positions.
via the-race.comGeorge Russell Leads First Practice at Inaugural Spanish Grand PrixGeorge Russell topped the first practice session at the new Madring circuit for the Spanish Grand Prix. Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc followed closely in second and third place, respectively.
+ 3 moreThu 10 Sep · 20:15 UTC
via f1oversteer.comVerstappen Reflects on Performance at Madrid's New F1 CircuitMax Verstappen evaluated his performance after the first day of practice at the Madring, where he finished sixth fastest. He acknowledged that Red Bull is still working to improve their pace ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.+ 2 moreThu 10 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via espn.comRussell: 'I definitely need some luck' to win titleGeorge Russell has expressed that he requires some luck to surpass his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the ongoing world championship. Antonelli, who recently turned 20, is leading the championship with a significant 66-point advantage and has secured seven victories this season compared to Russell's two wins.
Russell has shown improvement in his performances, particularly in recent races, where he achieved strong finishes. He qualified second in Monza and finished on the podium, indicating a positive trend in his race pace. Despite this, he recognizes that Antonelli has consistently outperformed him, and Russell is focused on enhancing his driving as the season progresses.
Thu 10 Sep · 18:21 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Russell: I have an answer to Antonelli's paceGeorge Russell has expressed confidence in his ability to improve his performance against his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, who currently leads the Drivers' Championship by 66 points. Despite suffering a setback at the Italian Grand Prix, where Antonelli won after starting from 19th, Russell believes he has made progress in matching Antonelli's pace and is focused on winning races as the season continues.
As the Spanish Grand Prix approaches, Russell acknowledges that luck will be essential for him to close the gap in the championship standings. Meanwhile, Antonelli remains focused on winning races rather than the championship, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a competitive mindset without being distracted by the title race.
Thu 10 Sep · 18:08 UTC
via Formula1.com‘My team mate has done a better job than me’ – RussellGeorge Russell has recognized that his Mercedes teammate, Kimi Antonelli, has outperformed him during the 2026 season, leading to a significant 66-point advantage in the Drivers' Championship. Despite this, Russell remains determined to compete for the title, acknowledging that he will need some luck to close the gap.
As the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix approaches, Russell is focused on maximizing his performance at the new Madring circuit. He emphasizes the importance of confidence and preparation, aiming to capitalize on any opportunities that arise during the race weekend.
Thu 10 Sep · 17:52 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari F1 boss rejects Lewis Hamilton request after showdown talksLewis Hamilton has voiced his concerns regarding the absence of formal 'rules of engagement' within the Ferrari team, particularly after incidents with teammate Charles Leclerc. Despite his frustrations, Hamilton described a recent conversation with team principal Fred Vasseur as positive, indicating that they are working towards better communication and understanding within the team.
In the lead-up to the Spanish Grand Prix, Hamilton acknowledged that he and Leclerc had an honest discussion to resolve their differences. He emphasized the importance of addressing team dynamics and expressed optimism about improving their collaboration, although he noted that the topic of engagement rules was not discussed due to the tight schedule between races.Thu 10 Sep · 17:46 UTC
via Motorsport.comWhy Max Verstappen isn’t buying the hype over a Red Bull surprise in MadridMax Verstappen has expressed doubts about his chances of winning at the new Madring circuit, suggesting that he might not secure a victory this season for the first time since his debut in 2015. Despite his strong performance, he acknowledges that a fast car is crucial in Formula 1, and he feels that the current situation does not favor a turnaround in his results.
Verstappen compared the Madring to the Jeddah street circuit, highlighting the dangers and challenges posed by the track's design. His temporary teammate, Liam Lawson, echoed these sentiments, noting the tricky nature of certain sections, particularly the chicane at Turns 5 and 6. Both drivers are aware of the risks involved and the need for precision to avoid accidents.
Thu 10 Sep · 17:11 UTC
via Motorsport.comHamilton Clarifies Stance on Team Dynamics at FerrariLewis Hamilton has stated that he does not seek preferential treatment over Charles Leclerc if he joins Ferrari. He emphasized that his focus remains on fair competition, despite being a potential title contender in 2026.+ 2 moreThu 10 Sep · 16:19 UTCPage 2 of 46