Spanish GP 2026 qualifying: Russell tops Q1 in Madrid as Mercedes sets early pace

George Russell topped Q1 for the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, setting a 1:33.211 in his Mercedes. Kimi Antonelli was just 0.056s behind to make it a Mercedes 1-2, while Red Bull's Liam Lawson and Max Verstappen took third and fourth. The opening segment of the 14th round of the 2026 season was close, with Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc within 0.321s of the pace.

Why it matters:

Qualifying at the Madring is tight, and the gaps in Q1 underline how much is at stake. Track position is expected to be important on race day, so the next two segments will be crucial.

The details:

Mercedes and Red Bull set the early pace, with McLaren and Ferrari close behind. Oscar Piastri was eighth for McLaren, while Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto completed the top ten.

Full Q1 classification: 1 Russell 1:33.211; 2 Antonelli +0.056; 3 Lawson +0.099; 4 Verstappen +0.170; 5 Norris +0.258; 6 Hamilton +0.320; 7 Leclerc +0.321; 8 Piastri +0.618; 9 Colapinto +0.752; 10 Bortoleto +0.775; 11 Gasly +1.035; 12 Tsunoda +1.100; 13 Lindblad +1.129; 14 Hulkenberg +1.206; 15 Ocon +1.456; 16 Albon +2.096; 17 Sainz +2.101; 18 Alonso +2.177; 19 Perez +2.702; 20 Bottas +4.800; 21 Bearman No time; 22 Stroll No time.

Eliminated in Q1: Albon, Sainz, Alonso, Perez, Bottas, Bearman and Stroll. Bearman and Stroll did not set a lap.

The big picture:

Mercedes and Red Bull look slightly ahead in Madrid, but the margins are small. Ferrari and McLaren are within striking distance, and the midfield is tightly packed.

What's next:

Q2 and Q3 will decide the grid, with pole still up for grabs. This page will be updated as the session continues.