Andrea Kimi Antonelli continued his impressive 2026 Formula 1 campaign by finishing fastest in FP2 at the new Madring circuit, leading Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in Madrid. The World Championship leader enjoyed Formula 1’s newest street circuit but warned that tyre management and a lack of overtaking opportunities could make Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix particularly demanding.
It has become an increasingly familiar sight for Italian motorsport fans: Andrea Kimi Antonelli at the front of the field with the rest chasing behind. The same happened during Friday’s second practice session in Madrid, where the 20-year-old Mercedes driver headed the two Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
Kimi Antonelli enjoys the challenge of the Madring
After analysing his opening day at the new circuit, Andrea Kimi Antonelli made it clear that he enjoyed the characteristics of the Madring despite its demanding nature. Like several other drivers, however, he expects overtaking to be one of the main challenges during the race.
“This is a really fantastic circuit to drive,” Andrea Kimi Antonelli said. “It represents a real challenge for us drivers, with many high-speed corners and the walls very close. You have to be extremely precise with your lines and good under braking; it is very easy to lock the wheels because there are several places where you are braking and turning at the same time. It is a fun challenge that I am really enjoying.”
The combination of fast corners, nearby barriers and braking zones that require steering input at the same time leaves little margin for error. That has placed an emphasis on driver precision throughout the first Formula 1 weekend at the new Madrid venue.
For Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s FP2 performance also provided an encouraging continuation of the form that has taken him to the top of the 2026 championship. His position at the head of the Formula 1 driver standings means every session now carries additional significance as the season moves into its decisive phase.
Kimi Antonelli warns Madrid overtaking could be difficult
Despite ending the day fastest, Andrea Kimi Antonelli stressed that Mercedes still has work to complete before qualifying and the race. The Italian expects tyre management to become particularly important on Sunday, while overtaking could prove difficult around the Madring.
“It was a good first day, but there is still a lot of work to do ahead of the rest of the weekend,” the championship leader added. “On Sunday it will be difficult to manage the tyres and overtaking looks like it will be quite difficult.”
That puts even greater emphasis on qualifying, with track position potentially becoming a crucial factor if passing opportunities are as limited as the drivers expect.
“That makes the work on the single lap tomorrow morning even more important; we will focus on that overnight, while at the same time trying to make sure we have a good car for Sunday’s race,” Andrea Kimi Antonelli explained.
Qualifying pace becomes crucial for Mercedes in Madrid
Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s comments underline how Mercedes must balance two different priorities overnight. The team needs to maximise the W17 over a single lap for qualifying without compromising the tyre management and race balance required over a full stint.
That trade-off could become particularly important if overtaking proves difficult. Andrea Kimi Antonelli has already built a significant advantage over George Russell in the championship battle, making his ability to consistently convert strong qualifying positions into race results one of the defining themes of Mercedes’ season.
Friday’s FP2 result was therefore another encouraging step, but Andrea Kimi Antonelli is not treating his position at the top of the timesheets as a guarantee of what will follow. With easy lock-ups, walls close to the racing line and limited passing opportunities all part of the Madring challenge, qualifying could become one of the most important sessions of the entire Spanish Grand Prix weekend.
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