Lando Norris beat championship leader Kimi Antonelli in Saturday qualifying to take pole for Formula 1’s first Spanish Grand Prix at Madring.
Lando Norris claimed pole position for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix on Saturday, September 12, beating Kimi Antonelli in the final moments of qualifying at Madrid’s new Madring circuit.
Norris delivers in qualifying
The McLaren driver earned the top starting position in Formula 1’s first qualifying session at Madring. Antonelli was fighting for pole until Norris went quicker with his final attempt.
Norris bounced back after a gearbox failure limited his Friday running.
Antonelli takes second
Antonelli will line up beside Norris on the front row after setting the pace in final practice earlier Saturday. The Mercedes driver led an interrupted FP3 session before qualifying.
George Russell put the other Mercedes sixth.
Red flags disrupt final practice
Crashes involving Oliver Bearman and Lewis Hamilton brought out two red flags during FP3.
Bearman’s heavy crash prevented him from taking part in qualifying, while Hamilton went off at the final corner. Despite the stoppages, Antonelli ended the session fastest.
Madrid hosts round 14
The Spanish Grand Prix marks round 14 of the 2026 Formula 1 season and Madring’s first championship event. Madrid last staged Formula 1 racing 45 years ago.
Spain is hosting its second race of the season. Hamilton won at Barcelona-Catalunya on June 14, ahead of Russell and Norris.
Norris chases a third victory
Norris heads into Sunday’s race with two victories this season, secured in Hungary on July 26 and the Netherlands on August 23. Antonelli has won six times, including the Italian Grand Prix on September 6.
The Spanish Grand Prix is set for Sunday, September 13, with Norris and Antonelli sharing the front row at Madring.
