2026 F1 Round 14, Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid FP2: Antonelli beats Leclerc with a 1:33.662 as Lindblad crash brings out red flag

In Spanish Grand Prix FP2 on Friday, September 11, Antonelli topped the times with a 1:33.662, 0.113 seconds ahead of Leclerc, with Hamilton third, 0.149 seconds back. Lindblad’s time before his crash was still enough for fourth. Practice resumed after the red flag, but nobody ultimately bettered Antonelli’s fastest lap.

Mercedes and Ferrari trade the lead as the new track evolves

With the Madring hosting an F1 Grand Prix for the first time, the 22 drivers needed to use their limited practice time to learn the circuit. The two Haas drivers were first out, and FP1 leader Russell initially posted a 1:36.011. Leclerc briefly led on medium tyres before Antonelli opened a gap of more than a second on his first flying lap.

As grip on the newly laid surface improved, Leclerc reduced the deficit again to 0.001 seconds, with Mercedes and Ferrari occupying the top four in the opening 15 minutes. According to F1’s official report, however, Ferrari still lost out to Antonelli in the final sector.

Lindblad crashes as Norris loses most of the running

Lindblad was particularly strong in the first sector, with his fastest lap just 0.228 seconds slower than Antonelli’s. While trying to improve further, he lost rear grip at Turn 13 and hit the barrier, bringing out a red flag and ending his day early. McLaren’s Norris completed only 2 laps due to a gearbox change and set no valid time, while Piastri reported a lack of rear grip and finished seventh.

Alonso suffered a clutch problem during the practice starts after FP1 and missed the start of FP2, eventually completing 16 laps in 17th place. After the red flag, Antonelli, Leclerc, Hamilton and Lindblad remained the top four, with Russell fifth and Verstappen sixth.

Full order and Saturday’s schedule

Yuki Tsunoda was eighth, Ocon ninth and Lawson tenth. Gasly led the two Audis, Bearman and Colapinto behind them, with Sainz 16th. Mercedes set the fastest lap in both Friday practice sessions with different drivers. FP3 is scheduled for Saturday at 12:30 local time, or 18:30 China Standard Time (UTC+8).

Full Spanish Grand Prix FP2 results