By: The first event at a new circuit requires an open mind. There are plenty of new elements and details to fine-tune... As far as F1 is concerned, the work completed so far at the Mdring has gone fairly well, it must be said. Aside from the excessive time lost during FP3, everything has gone according to plan.
McLaren once again made the difference on a technical, narrow and ''slow'' circuit. Lando Norris claimed his third pole position of the season and tomorrow, after his wins in Hungary and the Netherlands, will attempt to beat Antonelli and repeat that result. This type of circuit, however, proves difficult for Ferrari, who also lost out to Verstappen's Red Bull . Hamilton and Leclerc will start fourth and fifth.
Madrid GP starting grid - Start at 15:00
A new circuit means plenty for the drivers to learn. The FIA certainly had a busy post-qualifying session, but ultimately issued just one penalty: Sainz (Williams) was handed a three-place grid drop for impeding Bottas (Cadillac) in Q1. Otherwise, there will be no major changes to the grid. Apart from Stroll , who will start from last place after replacing every component of the power unit.
It will nevertheless be a very sad Grand Prix for the home drivers and their fans. Seeing Alonso and Sainz start from the back does not do the drivers in question justice.
The formation lap for the Spanish Grand Prix is scheduled for tomorrow, 13 September, at 15:00 local time.
Why are we referring to a provisional grid? Because team technicians could still identify issues with the cars before tomorrow's race and, should the replacement of a component subject to regulatory restrictions become necessary, the Federation would be forced to drop the driver concerned several places on the grid.
P.S.: Our website always features updated standings at the end of every session.
Cover photo by Luca Martini / WHYOUT Images
Inside photo: FIA
All the news, photos, weather, session times and times from the Spain GP 2026
