Lewis Antonelli, the 20‑year‑old Italian driver for Williams, opened the Spanish Grand Prix weekend by leading the first practice session at the newly built Madrid circuit. The 1.6‑minute lap time of 1:13.722, set on a dry track, was the fastest of the day and gave the Williams team a strong start on the calendar’s return to Spain after a 12‑year absence.
The new circuit, officially named the Madrid International Circuit, is a 4.7‑km, 13‑corner layout that was designed to blend the high‑speed character of the old Jerez track with modern safety and spectator facilities. It is the first Formula One venue to be built in Spain since the 2009 Jerez circuit, and the race is scheduled to take place on 25 September, the same date as the 2023 event. The track’s unique layout will test the teams’ aerodynamic packages and tyre strategies, especially as the first practice session was held under clear skies and a moderate 20°C temperature.
Antonelli’s performance was a bright spot for Williams, who have struggled to find pace in recent seasons. The Italian’s lap was 0.3 seconds faster than the second‑fastest time, set by Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, and 0.5 seconds quicker than the pole‑position time from the 2023 Spanish GP. While the session was not a full‑speed test, it gives the team confidence that their car can be competitive on the new circuit. The 2024 season has seen Williams make incremental improvements, and this practice result suggests they may be on the right track.
For Indian fans, the Spanish GP will be available live on FanCode from 9:30 PM IST, with commentary in Hindi and English. The race is scheduled to start at 6:00 PM local time (3:00 PM IST). Fans can also follow the live updates and analysis on Pitlane Press India’s social channels. The Madrid circuit’s first appearance in F1 promises exciting racing, and Antonelli’s strong practice session hints at a competitive weekend ahead.
Source: Reuters