Story perspectives

Russell tops FP1 in Madrid as Antonelli leads title

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 6:14 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Russell Tops FP1

George Russell topped FP1 at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid with a 1:34.077 lap.
He was nearly three-tenths faster than teammate Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli leads the drivers’ championship by 66 points over Russell with ten races remaining.
Russell described the new Madrid circuit as the “most risky” with less margin than Monaco.
No accidents occurred during the hour-long FP1 despite drivers running close to the walls.

Summary

Mercedes Backs Antonelli

Mercedes is reportedly ready to issue team orders favoring Antonelli over Russell.
Former champion Ralf Schumacher warned Russell may lose team support after Antonelli’s Monza win.
Marc Surer suggested Russell accept a supporting role to aid Antonelli’s title bid.
Russell said he will focus on each race instead of the championship fight.

History

Historical Context

In May 2002 Ferrari ordered Rubens Barrichello to let teammate Michael Schumacher win the Austrian Grand Prix, prompting a $1 million fine and a 2003 FIA ban on team orders that affect race results. Teams later resurfaced the practice, notably Mercedes directing Valtteri Bottas to yield to Lewis Hamilton at the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix. The recurrence fuels debate over driver contracts and regulatory review.

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Russell Tops FP1

George Russell topped FP1 at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid with a 1:34.077 lap.
He was nearly three-tenths faster than teammate Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli leads the drivers’ championship by 66 points over Russell with ten races remaining.
Russell described the new Madrid circuit as the “most risky” with less margin than Monaco.
No accidents occurred during the hour-long FP1 despite drivers running close to the walls.

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