Russell Leads Mercedes 1-2 at Madrid F1 Debut

George Russell set the fastest time in the first practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix, marking the Formula 1 debut of the new Madring circuit in Madrid. The Mercedes driver clocked a lap of 1 minute 34.077 seconds to lead a Mercedes one-two finish, with championship leader Kimi Antonelli 0.286 seconds behind. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was third, 0.459 seconds off Russell's pace, followed by his teammate Lewis Hamilton in fourth. The session on Friday, September 11, 2026, was the first competitive running at the Madring, which becomes the first new track added to the calendar since Las Vegas in 2023. The event marks Formula 1's return to the Spanish capital for the first time since 1981, when races were held at the Circuito del Jarama north of the city. The Madring circuit, a 3.36-mile track built around the IFEMA convention center, features 22 corners and significant elevation changes. Its standout feature is the 550-meter banked La Monumental corner at Turn 12, which drivers have described as challenging and iconic. The track has already proven difficult, with 19 red flags recorded during two days of Formula 3 testing earlier in the week.