Madring’s first F1 day: what the new track is revealing about the grid
Madrid’s new circuit didn’t deliver the chaos some expected, but it did give the paddock its first real read on who adapted quickest to a demanding new venue.
This Week in F1
Week 36, 2026
Race Weekend
Driver Form
Antonelli’s Madrid pace is forcing a harder question: how real is this run?
Kimi Antonelli topped FP2 at the Madring, while Mercedes also showed strong long-run pace on Friday. After praise for his Monza win, the question is whether this is a sustained pattern or another early flashpoint.
Technical
Mercedes’ Friday edge: why Russell, Antonelli and the long-run data matter
Mercedes looked strong at the Madring, with Russell quickest on long runs and Antonelli sharp over a lap. Russell’s delayed engine penalty also hints at a wider Mercedes plan for the rest of the season.
Governance
The Alonso/Honda angle that could reshape F1’s rules debate
The Race reports FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is working on a fresh rules concession plan to help accelerate Honda’s progress and keep Fernando Alonso with Aston Martin, raising questions about governance and how F1 treats manufacturer support.
Sources: The Race
Why the FIA is talking up a 12th team — and how hard the entry bar really is
The FIA president is open to Formula 1 adding a 12th team, but any candidate would have to make a serious offer and accept the championship’s terms. That is openness with a very high bar attached.
Sources: The Race
Off-Track
Verstappen’s off-track calendar shows how F1’s stars are building beyond racing
Max Verstappen is headed into a no-prep Silverstone kart challenge, while George Russell is building a supporter grandstand at Silverstone from 2027. Two different moves, one theme: modern F1 stardom extends beyond race weekends.