In the final free‑practice session (FP3) for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madrid circuit, rookie Kimi Antonelli posted the quickest time, edging out Charles Leclerc and the rest of the field, according to Formula1.com. Antonelli’s lap of 1:14.562 placed him at the top of the timing sheets, giving the 19‑year‑old a strong early indication that he can compete with the sport’s established stars on a technically demanding layout.
The session, however, was dramatically interrupted when two of the sport’s biggest names – Lewis Hamilton and his Red Bull junior Oliver Bearman – collided at Turn 9. Both drivers lost control after a brief wheel‑to‑wheel contact, sending Hamilton’s Mercedes into a spin and leaving Bearman’s Red Bull with a damaged front wing. The incident prompted a brief red flag, during which marshals cleared debris and the teams assessed the damage. Both cars were able to return to the garage, but the crash cost them valuable track time ahead of qualifying.
Mercedes and Red Bull have yet to comment on the cause of the clash, but early analysis from the live coverage suggested a mis‑judged braking point as the likely trigger. Hamilton, who has been testing the new Madrid layout extensively, will now have to rely on data from the earlier practice sessions to fine‑tune his setup for qualifying. Bearman, who has impressed throughout the season, will also need to recover lost time, especially as his team works to replace the damaged front wing before the final run.
For Indian fans, the Spanish Grand Prix will be broadcast live on FanCode with commentary in English and Hindi. The race is scheduled to start at 14:00 IST on Sunday, 9 May, following a qualifying session at 12:00 IST. Fans can also catch the practice sessions, including the dramatic FP3, on the same platform, with re‑plays available for those who missed the live action.
Antonelli’s performance adds another intriguing storyline to the weekend, as the young Italian looks to cement his place in the sport ahead of the upcoming European swing. With Hamilton and Bearman’s crash still fresh, teams will be watching closely to see how the incident influences the grid for qualifying and the race itself.
Source: Formula1.com
