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Max Verstappen starts third at the Madrid street circuit for Spanish Grand Prix

3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 13, 2026, 10:38 AM

Last updated Sep 13, 2026

Max Verstappen starts third at the Madrid street circuit for Spanish Grand Prix

Summary

Max Verstappen qualified third for the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madrid street circuit. He finished just over a tenth of a second behind polesetter Lando Norris and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli. The Red Bull driver expressed skepticism about his chances for a race win, citing the difficulty of finding overtaking spots on the track. Verstappen noted that high tire degradation across the field may influence race strategy, though he maintains that passing will remain the primary hurdle. Despite his concerns, he described the qualifying result as a positive step and noted improvements in his car throughout the sessions.

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By the Numbers

•Max Verstappen qualified third for the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.
•Lando Norris secured pole position ahead of Kimi Antonelli.
•Verstappen cited minimal overtaking opportunities as a significant obstacle for Sunday.
•The Red Bull driver reported technical struggles with deployment in the final sector.
•High tire degradation is expected to be a key factor during the race.

Latest Updates

10:38 AMAutosport — Verstappen: Victory at Spanish GP to be "tough" with lack of overtaking opportunities
10:32 AMYahoo Sports — Max Verstappen: ‘I need to figure out where to overtake’ to win F1 Spanish GP
10:32 AMMotorsport.com — Max Verstappen: ‘I need to figure out where to overtake’ to win F1 Spanish GP

What they're saying

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Max Verstappen says he still needs to figure out where to overtake if he is to beat Lando Norris to victory in Formula 1’s Spanish Grand Prix. Verstappen qualified third at Madrid’s new street circuit, just over a tenth slower than polesetter Norris and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli. Asked if he could challenge the McLaren for victory, the Red Bull driver was skeptical, given how tricky ...Keep reading
— Autosport

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Max Verstappen says he still needs to figure out where to overtake if he is to beat Lando Norris to victory in Formula 1’s Spanish Grand Prix. Verstappen qualified third at Madrid’s new street circuit, just over a tenth slower than polesetter Norris and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli. Asked if he could challenge the McLaren for victory, the Red Bull driver was skeptical, given how tricky ...Keep reading
— Motorsport.com