Mercedes leads Madrid debut
George Russell leads Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli during the opening Formula 1 practice in Madrid.
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Key Points
1
The Madring is 3.364 miles long with 22 turns, and its barriers are unusually close to the track; the Spanish Grand Prix returned to Madrid for the first time since 1981.
2
Lewis Hamilton was the only driver apart from the sidelined Yuki Tsunoda who did not set his fastest time on soft tires; Hamilton’s best lap came on the medium compound.
3
Oscar Piastri reported that his legs were coming into contact with something inside the McLaren cockpit during the session.
4
Liam Lawson, substituting for Isack Hadjar for a third consecutive race, said his Red Bull was very difficult to drive despite finishing 10th.
5
Cadillac’s Sergio Perez was fined twice for exceeding the 80 kph pit-lane speed limit, recording 86.7 kph and then 96.7 kph; the penalties were €700 and €1,000.
George Russell topped Mercedes' one-two performance at Madrid's debut Formula 1 practice session, clocking 1:34.077 on the new 3.364-mile Madring circuit TSN. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc finished third ahead of Lewis Hamilton in fourth, with Max Verstappen and Lando Norris rounding out the top six. The Spanish Grand Prix returned to Madrid for the first time since 1981, bringing with it tight barriers and rapid lap-time improvements as drivers laid fresh rubber on untested asphalt.
Kimi Antonelli partnered Russell in the Mercedes second seat, while Oscar Piastri rounded out the top eight for McLaren Head Topics. Early lap times proved difficult to compare because teams ran different tire compounds. Yuki Tsunoda retired with power-steering failure, and Alexander Albon faced investigation for an unsafe track re-entry.
Madrid's New Track Sets the Stage for Spanish GP
The Madring has 22 turns packed into 3.364 miles, making it one of the tighter circuits on the F1 calendar Head Topics. Barriers sit unusually close to the racing surface, punishing any driver who runs wide. The return to Madrid marks the first Spanish Grand Prix held in the capital since 1981, ending a 43-year absence from the city.
Hamilton's Unique Tire Strategy Amid Soft Rubber Dominance
Almost every driver set their fastest lap on soft tires as grip levels climbed throughout the session Head Topics. Lewis Hamilton stood alone, achieving his best time on the medium compound instead. The exception highlighted how aggressively teams pushed soft-tire performance on a newly laid track.
Cockpit Comfort and Drivability Issues Emerge Early
Oscar Piastri reported physical contact between his legs and something inside the McLaren cockpit, suggesting a potential fit issue Head Topics. Liam Lawson, substituting for Isack Hadjar in the Red Bull for a third straight race, complained the car was extremely difficult to drive despite finishing 10th TSN. These early mechanical niggles suggest teams have work ahead before qualifying.
Perez Fined Twice for Speeding Through the Pits
Cadillac's Sergio Perez recorded two pit-lane speed violations during the session TSN. The first infraction clocked 86.7 kph in an 80 kph zone, drawing a €700 fine. His second offense reached 96.7 kph, resulting in a €1,000 penalty. The dual fines suggest Perez struggled with throttle management through the tight pit entry.
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