Charles Leclerc prepares for Spanish Grand Prix qualifying at new Madrid circuit

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completed the opening day of practice for the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madrid street circuit. Ferrari finished the day competitive, with Leclerc recording the third and second-fastest times in the two practice sessions. Leclerc trailed Kimi Antonelli by one-tenth of a second during Free Practice 2. Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur noted that track evolution remains a significant factor for all teams as the surface conditions change between sessions. Drivers are currently working to calibrate car balance and energy deployment on the technical, unproven layout. The field heads into Saturday’s qualifying session with teams still adjusting to the unique demands of the venue.