World championship leader Kimi Antonelli was fastest on Formula 1's first day at the new Madrid circuit for the Spanish Grand Prix, but British rookie Arvid Lindblad suffered a big crash. After being outpaced by Mercedes teammate George Russell in Practice One, Antonelli set a 1:33.662 in Practice Two to edge Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton by just over a tenth.

Antonelli's confidence is sky-high after winning the Italian Grand Prix from 19th on the grid, moving 66 points clear of Russell with 10 rounds remaining. Mercedes and Ferrari appear closely matched, promising an exciting pole fight in Saturday qualifying as F1 returns to Madrid for the first time since 1981.

While F1 drivers avoided major incidents in first practice, Lindblad crashed just beyond halfway in Practice Two. The 19-year-old had just moved to fourth when he pushed too hard at Turn 13, spinning into the barrier at high speed.

"It's not an easy track," Lindblad said. "I overdid it in Turn 13. I apologise to the mechanics and the team." The 10-minute delay ended qualifying simulations, securing Antonelli's top spot. Russell was fifth, ahead of Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri.