# F1 Spanish GP: George Russell tops FP1 as Lewis Hamilton impedes several drivers

> **Open Intelligence Dossier** · First detected: 2026-09-11 17:07 UTC · Category: Sports

## Executive Summary
Mercedes dominates early practice sessions at the Spanish Grand Prix as F1 returns to Madrid on the new Madring track.

## Intelligence Brief
The Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix has returned to Madrid, utilizing the new Madring track for its event proceedings. During the first practice session, denoted as FP1, George Russell emerged as the fastest driver, claiming the top spot on the timing sheets. However, the session was marked by incidents involving fellow Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, who was reported to have impeded several other drivers on the circuit. This return to Madrid marks a significant shift in the event's location and venue for the Spanish leg of the racing calendar. Coverage from ESPN and LancasterOnline emphasizes the performance of Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli. According to these outlets, Antonelli led the practice sessions on the new Madring track, specifically setting the pace during the second practice session.


ESPN further notes that the Ferrari team trailed behind the pace set by Antonelli. These reports highlight a strong start for the Mercedes team across multiple drivers, with both Russell and Antonelli recording top performances during the early phases of the Grand Prix weekend. To understand the current stakes, it is necessary to note the transition of the Spanish Grand Prix to the Madring track in Madrid. The competition between the top teams is immediate, as evidenced by the gap between Mercedes and Ferrari during the second practice session. The tension of the event is further compounded by the on-track behavior of veteran drivers, such as Lewis Hamilton, whose actions in FP1 caused disruptions for other competitors. This creates a dynamic where technical speed is being balanced against track discipline on an unfamiliar layout.


Looking forward, observers will be monitoring how the pace from the practice sessions translates into qualifying and race results. Based on the reporting from Motorsport.com and ESPN, the primary focus remains on whether Mercedes can maintain its lead over Ferrari. Additionally, the impact of Lewis Hamilton's impeding incidents in FP1 may be a point of interest as the event progresses. The performance of Kimi Antonelli on the new Madrid circuit will also be a key factor to watch as the Spanish Grand Prix moves toward its final stages.

## Multi-Source Evidence Table
| Source Outlet | Headline | Verification URL |
|---|---|---|
| LancasterOnline | Antonelli leads practice on new Madring track as F1's Spanish GP returns to Madrid | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiiAJBVV95cUxPdFhEV3lwUko3Y0Uzb3hVbWlNRlpYX29zN3luZ1ZBU0stbFptVnpGVHhDWkVLT2NNSHIxVXRWaWpkajF3cEJDX2FPZjZCb29aVVlob0VlUTczbGJTQVdUcFRSTXFBbW1JMWpqbjQ3TXN6OHFJQUNRdXlULW9UcE9lNGw4dm43ZklxeFVuNFlVd1I3MXBjUFNHLWlWN2NqdkJYSW5tWUp2WkJLdTRsQXBhbVRwbnd5ZjM2WC1SQ2NneERRQklBSXlRaVJKU0xJam03N3BtU3hKZTNpc1ZkZlVJWHByeGg5Z3lpZXBqMWgzdktJMnhrb1NxRzNiTlc3SkF2ZElDR0plWGc?oc=5) |
| ESPN | Spanish Grand Prix: Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli sets pace in second practice, Ferrari behind | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi1AFBVV95cUxPMjhfemEtRTNsOHJRakJtb0hYUGoxRi1TSXU1YTJ3T0RQYzJhamRIYndIMFhReTdILWFOckViWDc3Q2RhaVdHdW9HQnpqZ0ZiYUl3ZXFMQnZ6TVhodTk0UWUwTnQteHpuM3NYVWlWb25tYzNydGwtYVR4UWd6NGEwckZtaTRIZy03NTFlMU8yNHBsUU1XUjFWVGZNWTBpRjIxVGhSY0k3QmNkazc3U2Z1WkxmcEVSUXRnMmdNZ0RYckFOajc3Y2MwZjljYWlrZ0h4Q091OA?oc=5) |
| Motorsport.com | F1 Spanish GP: George Russell tops FP1 as Lewis Hamilton impedes several drivers | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMieEFVX3lxTFAtbkNNY0h4cFZ5UGNuT3dXSXBtRmpGLW5PTXg3UVZQeUgxYnR0aDNtbDBEdHBfQk0ySk5uUTh0Tk4tQUtwZUlIcWFyTVJ5dkloX21RdEtJSmVfZ1lVNG04S3BMWm94SGpwaUsxVUFZaUxRc3ZvQVBJdA?oc=5) |

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*Canonical Source: https://pulse.byoviral.com/trend/2026-09-11/f1-spanish-gp-george-russell-tops-fp1-as-lewis-hamilton-impedes-several-drivers*