Charles Leclerc prepares for Spanish Grand Prix qualifying at new Madrid circuit
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 12, 2026, 9:30 AM
Last updated Sep 12, 2026
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.
- •Charles Leclerc finished in the top three during both Friday practice sessions.
- •Kimi Antonelli set the pace during the second practice session in Madrid.
- •Frederic Vasseur highlighted rapid track evolution as a primary concern for Ferrari.
- •Teams focused on maximizing lap count to gather data on the new circuit.
- 9:30 AMMotorsport.com — Charles Leclerc: Madrid qualifying to be "one of the most challenging" in F1 2026
- 9:30 AMYahoo Sports — Charles Leclerc: Madrid qualifying to be "one of the most challenging" in F1 2026
"Charles Leclerc reckons qualifying at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix will be “one of the most challenging” of the 2026 Formula 1 season as drivers adapt to the new Madrid circuit. The Madring has replaced Barcelona as the host of the Spanish Grand Prix and it is a high-commitment street circuit featuring 22 corners, including the 13.5-degree banked La Monumental curve. Several ...Keep reading
"Charles Leclerc believes that Qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend is "going to be an exciting one", having got his first taste of the Madring on Friday.
"The Madring is making its debut this weekend as host of the Spanish GP
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comSep 12, 2026, 9:30 AMCharles Leclerc: Madrid qualifying to be "one of the most challenging" in F1 2026
Charles Leclerc reckons qualifying at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix will be “one of the most challenging” of the 2026 Formula 1 season as drivers adapt to the new Madrid circuit. The Madring has replaced Barcelona as the host of the Spanish Grand Prix and it is a high-commitment street circuit featuring 22 corners, including the 13.5-degree banked La Monumental curve. Several ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsSep 12, 2026, 9:30 AMCharles Leclerc: Madrid qualifying to be "one of the most challenging" in F1 2026
The Madring is making its debut this weekend as host of the Spanish GP
- Formula1.com—Madring Qualifying 'going to be an exciting one' – Leclerc
Charles Leclerc believes that Qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend is "going to be an exciting one", having got his first taste of the Madring on Friday.
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