Russell Leads Mercedes One-Two as Madrid FP2 Gets Underway

Mercedes made an early statement at Formula 1's newest venue, locking out the top two spots in the opening practice session for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. George Russell led teammate Kimi Antonelli, with Charles Leclerc third for Ferrari ahead of Lewis Hamilton. FP2 is now underway, with drivers continuing to learn the Madring circuit and teams scrambling to gather data before qualifying.

Why it matters:

This weekend is a landmark for F1, with the series racing on a new Madrid street circuit for the first time. Early results suggest Mercedes has carried strong form from Monza, where Antonelli took a stunning win. But the new layout remains a work in progress, and traffic has already become a major talking point.

The details:

• Russell topped FP1, heading Antonelli in a Mercedes one-two.
• Leclerc was best of the rest in third, ahead of Hamilton, as Ferrari showed competitive pace.
• The session ran clean with no red flags, but several near-misses frustrated drivers. Some struggled to clear the racing line during cool-down laps, forcing evasive moves.
• Track evolution is expected to be rapid, making it essential for drivers to find clear space in FP2.

Between the lines:

The traffic issue is a reminder of the challenge posed by the Madring. With limited practice time, one ruined lap could have a big impact on qualifying positions.

What's next:

FP2 will give teams their first proper look at long-run pace on a circuit that is still rubbering in. Expect more track limits battles and traffic management to play a key role. Mercedes will be tough to beat, but Ferrari will be looking to close the gap before qualifying.