Lewis Hamilton’s Spanish Grand Prix FP3 Ends In Crash Scare Ahead Of Qualifying | Watch

Last Updated:September 12, 2026, 5:33 PM IST

Hamilton’s FP3 session ended in dramatic fashion after a lock-up sent him into the barriers, raising fresh questions about the safety of Formula 1’s newest track in Madrid.

Lewis Hamilton crashes into the barrier in Spanish GP FP3 (Picture credit: Screengrab from X)

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton crashed into the barrier during the third free practice ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday, September 12, as concerns continue to rise over the danger of the Madring Sur track, which will see its first Formula 1 race on Sunday, September 13.

The inaugural Spanish GP at the new Madrid-based circuit, the Madring, was expected to be a race punctuated by stoppages and incidents given the track’s narrow yet high-speed layout.

Hamilton locked up approaching the slow corner and went nose-first into the left-side barrier, damaging his front wing. He backed out of the corner and continued driving, but was forced to stop afterwards with the front wing hanging from his car.

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Until the crash, Hamilton had enjoyed an encouraging weekend in Madrid, finishing FP1 in P4 and FP2 in P3 on Friday. He was also running in P4 and improving his lap time in FP3 when the incident occurred.

Hamilton could face an FIA penalty for continuing to drive his SF-26 after the crash, despite his team instructing him to stop on track. He attempted to return to the pits with the damaged front wing lodged against the front of the car.

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen said that he wasn’t surprised by his performance or position after two hours on a track he had described as ‘challenging’, adding that he had finished where he expected to.

“From our side, it is more or less where we are. We just need to work a little bit more on the balance and try to get more out of one lap and then see how the tyres hold up on the long run, but I guess everyone is in the same boat,” Verstappen said.

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What happened to Lewis Hamilton during the Spanish Grand Prix FP3?

Lewis Hamilton locked up approaching a slow corner and crashed nose-first into the left-side barrier, damaging his front wing. Despite his team instructing him to stop on track, Hamilton attempted to drive back to the pits with the damaged wing hanging from his car, which could result in an FIA penalty.

Why are there safety concerns surrounding the new Madring Sur track?

Concerns are rising because the Madring Sur track is a narrow yet high-speed layout, leading to expectations that the inaugural race will be punctuated by stoppages and incidents.

How did Lewis Hamilton perform in the practice sessions before his FP3 crash?

Prior to his crash in the third practice session, Hamilton had an encouraging weekend, finishing FP1 in fourth place (P4) and FP2 in third place (P3) on Friday. He was also running in P4 and improving his lap time during FP3 when the incident occurred.

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