George Russell was fastest from Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli in the first practice session at the new Madring circuit in Madrid. Russell outpaced Antonelli by 0.286s.

Ferrari were quick early on, only half a second off the best times on medium tyres, compared to Mercedes on softs. Charles Leclerc, fit despite blurred vision after his Monza crash, improved to third on softs, while Lewis Hamilton's best time remained on mediums.

Hamilton was called out by at least four drivers for impeding. Arvid Lindblad called Hamilton and Antonelli "stupid" for blocking at Turn 12. Leclerc, Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz had to abandon flying laps. Sainz said on radio: "Lewis letting by in the middle of Turn 12. It's always the same, it's so dangerous!"

Max Verstappen was fifth ahead of Lando Norris, with Lindblad seventh. Audi had strong pace with Hulkenberg ninth and Gabriel Bortoleto 11th. Mercedes and Ferrari look set to contend for top spot this weekend.