September 12, 2026
Mercedes set the early pace at the Madring, with George Russell leading the way in FP1 and Kimi Antonelli fastest in FP2. The first day suggested real speed up front, but not enough to read the weekend as settled.
Mercedes is expected to take George Russell’s inevitable engine change penalty later rather than sooner, choosing the least damaging moment and preserving strategic flexibility for the races ahead.
Kimi Antonelli topped second practice at the Madring, narrowly beat Charles Leclerc, and added another sign that Mercedes’ young driver is already operating at top-team level.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem is exploring a rules concession aimed at speeding Honda’s progress and, according to The Race, potentially helping keep Fernando Alonso in F1 for longer.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem says Formula 1 could take a 12th team, but only if a serious candidate meets the championship’s terms — with any Chinese manufacturer needing to clear that bar.
