Antonelli fastest as F1 debuts new Madrid circuit for Spanish GP, Lindblad crashes

Antonelli fastest in second practice

Formula 1 held its first on-track sessions at Madrid's new "Madring" circuit ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. Mercedes' championship leader Kimi Antonelli set the pace in Friday's second practice with a lap of 1:33.662, finishing 0.113s ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton was third (+0.149s), Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad fourth (+0.228s) despite crashing before the end of the session, and Mercedes' George Russell fifth, having topped the earlier first practice.

Lindblad crash halts session

The second session was stopped by a red flag after Lindblad lost the rear of his car at Turn 13 and hit the barriers with the right-rear of the car. He apologised to his mechanics for the extra work but downplayed the impact, and Racing Bulls boss Alan Permane said the pace shown before the crash - genuine fourth-place form - outweighed the damage. According to The Guardian, an F2 car driven by Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak had earlier caught fire after a heavy crash at Turn 19, though the driver escaped unhurt.

A demanding new track

Described as a hybrid between a street circuit and a purpose-built track, the Madring runs around Madrid's IFEMA exhibition centre near Barajas airport. Drivers including Russell and Hamilton called it one of the most difficult and unforgiving circuits on the calendar, comparing it to Monaco and Jeddah for the challenge of learning it. The Guardian reports that a recent Formula 3 test at the venue produced 19 red flags and three chassis failures.

Teams mixed on form

Ferrari looked strong on Friday, while McLaren had a difficult day: Lando Norris missed most of second practice after a gearbox change, and teammate Oscar Piastri complained of a lack of rear grip. Home favourite Fernando Alonso also lost time to a clutch issue. The Race reports that Haas looked competitive after its Monza upgrade, with Esteban Ocon ninth fastest. Several drivers clashed over track etiquette on the radio, including Nico Hulkenberg, and Lindblad called Hamilton and Antonelli "stupid" for blocking him at the signature "La Monumental" banked corner. The final practice session takes place on Saturday, September 12 at 12:30 local time, ahead of qualifying.