The final practice session (FP3) for the 2026 Formula 1® Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring circuit saw Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli set the fastest lap time despite interruptions caused by two separate crashes. The session was marked by incidents involving Lewis Hamilton and Oliver Bearman, which led to red flags and significant stoppages.
Antonelli recorded a best lap of 1:32.797 to top the timing sheets in FP3. The session was disrupted early on when Lewis Hamilton crashed at Turn 22, damaging his front wing and forcing a red flag. Hamilton attempted to complete a lap on three wheels but had to abandon the effort. The barrier repairs following his crash caused the session to be halted for nearly 40 minutes. After the track was cleared, Charles Leclerc briefly took the fastest time before Antonelli reclaimed the top spot.
Later in the session, Oliver Bearman crashed at Turn 10, causing a second red flag that brought FP3 to an early end. The session also saw strong performances from McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who finished third and fourth respectively. Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing placed fifth, struggling with the circuit’s kerbs and overall pace. George Russell was sixth but was unable to complete a representative lap after the first red flag. Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg set the fastest first sector but was blocked later on, finishing eighth. Hamilton ended the session ninth, while Gabriel Bortoleto completed the top ten. Williams driver Alex Albon ended his session early due to suspension damage caused by a wall tap.
The FP3 session provided teams with a final opportunity to fine-tune their setups ahead of qualifying on the demanding Madring circuit. The lengthy stoppages caused by Hamilton’s and Bearman’s incidents limited track time and added challenges for drivers and engineers alike. Despite the interruptions, Antonelli’s pace stood out as he managed to regain and hold the top spot.
Hamilton’s crash at Turn 22 was notable not only for the damage sustained but also for the prolonged barrier repairs that affected the session’s flow. Bearman’s late crash at Turn 10 further curtailed running, preventing some drivers from completing their planned programmes. McLaren’s showing with Piastri and Norris suggested an upward trend in pace, while Verstappen’s difficulties highlighted the challenges posed by the circuit’s kerbs.
The session’s incidents and interruptions underlined the fine margins and risks involved in preparing for qualifying at a technical and physically demanding track like Madring. The results from FP3 set the stage for qualifying, with Antonelli leading the way but with several drivers close behind.
Lewis Hamilton’s crash and the subsequent repairs shaped much of the session’s narrative, while Oliver Bearman’s incident brought an early conclusion to FP3. The final practice session illustrated the challenges teams face in balancing speed with control on a track that punishes mistakes. Antonelli’s performance confirmed his strong pace heading into qualifying, while other drivers showed varying degrees of progress and difficulty.