Russell Fastest in Spanish GP FP1 2026, Mercedes 1-2

George Russell kicked off Formula 1's new era at the Madring circuit in style, setting the fastest time in the opening practice session for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver clocked a 1m34.077s, edging out his teammate Kimi Antonelli as Mercedes secured a 1-2. This was the first-ever official F1 session at the brand-new Madrid track, and the Silver Arrows immediately laid down a marker.

Twenty out of 22 cars hit the track within the first 100 seconds, with Nico Hulkenberg and Franco Colapinto emerging later. The initial flying laps were tentative, with most drivers in the 1m42s-1m45s range. However, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Lando Norris quickly dipped into the 1m39s.

Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, dominated the early part of the session. He consistently improved his benchmark to 1m34.620s, engaging in a tight battle with teammate Charles Leclerc. Leclerc briefly went 0.120s quicker, but Hamilton snatched back the top spot.

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Midway through, drivers switched to soft tyres. Early efforts from Antonelli and Russell on the softer compound fell short of Hamilton's medium-tyre reference. But Russell's third attempt, a 1m34.145s, went fastest, and he then improved to 1m34.077s. Antonelli followed with a 1m34.363s, making it a Mercedes 1-2.

Meanwhile, both Leclerc and Hamilton ran wide at Turn 17. Leclerc only marginally improved his personal best, while Hamilton ended up as the only driver not to set his quickest lap on softs, alongside Yuki Tsunoda, who was ruled out with a power steering issue on his Racing Bulls with 25 minutes remaining.

Max Verstappen finished fifth ahead of Lando Norris, Arvid Lindblad, and Oscar Piastri. Lindblad impressed by clearing the midfield group. Nico Hulkenberg, Liam Lawson, Gabriel Bortoleto, Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, and Franco Colapinto followed in the 1m35.5s-1m35.9s bracket.

Home hero Fernando Alonso was an encouraging 15th – by Aston Martin's current standards – ahead of one Haas, both Williams, both Cadillacs, and teammate Lance Stroll.

The main incident occurred when Lindblad, on a flying lap, encountered the slow Mercedes and Ferrari of Antonelli and Hamilton at La Monumental. “These same two guys, man!” the rookie ranted over team radio. “I don't know what they're doing, they're just stupid, right in the fast corner! It's actually very dangerous, it's been twice now.” Hamilton was then involved in further impeding incidents at teammate Leclerc's and Hulkenberg's expense. Carlos Sainz also complained about the seven-time world champion's actions.

With this result, Mercedes sent a strong signal that they are ready to challenge for the Spanish Grand Prix, while Ferrari is still holding back its potential. Qualifying and the race will be the real test.