Mercedes drivers pace practice sessions at the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix

Formula 1 drivers completed two practice sessions on Friday at the new Madring circuit ahead of the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix. George Russell led the opening practice session for Mercedes, while teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli paced the field in the second hour. Both drivers reported that the high-speed layout presents a significant challenge regarding tyre management and precision. Team officials noted that front tyre degradation is a primary concern for the race, as the surface puts heavy pressure on the rubber through long corners like Turn 12. Although the team gathered data on single-lap performance, a red flag interrupted long-run testing during the afternoon. The team plans to adjust vehicle set-ups overnight to improve consistency for qualifying sessions scheduled for Saturday.