2026 Spanish Grand Prix: Norris on pole in Madrid

Lando Norris took pole for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, edging Andrea Kimi Antonelli as practice and the new Madring drew scrutiny.

Lando Norris took pole position for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, with BBC Sport reporting he beat Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen at the new Madring circuit. Autosport reported Norris secured his third pole of the season by 0.011s over Antonelli. Antonelli arrived at the weekend leading the drivers' championship on 292 points, while Norris was fourth on 186; Norris also came in with 16 career poles and 11 wins, while Antonelli had five poles and five wins in Formula 1.

Autosport reported Mercedes set the pace through the early practice sessions at the 5.4km Madring. George Russell was fastest in first practice, Antonelli led second practice and then topped FP3, while BBC Sport and Autosport both reported a Friday crash for Arvid Lindblad.

The circuit's debut also drew criticism. BBC Sport reported Russell called it "very high risk", while Autosport reported several drivers raised concerns about overtaking after the weekend. Autosport also said Spanish Grand Prix organisers are prepared to make changes for 2027 and have already received FIA recommendations.