Carlos PaceCharles LeclercGeorge RussellLando Norris 
via F1iNorris casts doubt on Monza hat-trick after troubled FridayLando Norris faced challenges during the opening day of practice at Monza, finishing fourth and expressing concerns about McLaren's competitiveness against Mercedes and Ferrari. Despite recent victories, Norris noted that the car's performance was disappointing, particularly in areas where they expected to excel. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, also struggled, finishing sixth in FP2.
McLaren's new H-Wing showed promise, but the team remains three-tenths off their desired pace. Norris acknowledged the increased competition and the need to focus on energy management to improve their performance. Overall, the team is aware that achieving a hat-trick of wins at Monza will be more difficult than anticipated.
F1iFri 4 Sep · 17:25 UTC
via Formula1.comLando Norris doubts McLaren's chances for pole in MonzaAfter the practice sessions at Monza, Lando Norris expressed concerns about McLaren's competitiveness. He stated that the team is currently not in contention for pole position.
Formula1.com+ 2 moreFri 4 Sep · 17:22 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer ‘loved’ the very difficult thing he saw George Russell do at the Italian Grand PrixDuring the Italian Grand Prix weekend, Jolyon Palmer expressed admiration for George Russell's driving skills, particularly his commitment in the challenging Parabolica corner during FP2. Russell's performance included a third-fastest time in FP1 and a top position in FP2, indicating a strong start to the race weekend despite facing a significant points deficit in the championship standings.
Additionally, Kimi Antonelli, who is leading the championship, will start from the back of the grid, providing Russell with an opportunity to close the gap in the standings. The article emphasizes the competitive nature of the race and the potential for Russell to capitalize on Antonelli's starting position.
f1oversteer.comFri 4 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via F1iLewis Hamilton raises concerns over Ferrari's upgradesLewis Hamilton expressed concerns about Ferrari's performance following practice sessions at the Italian Grand Prix. He noted that while Ferrari has introduced an engine upgrade, Mercedes may still hold a top speed advantage that could impact the race.F1i+ 2 moreFri 4 Sep · 16:36 UTC
via espn.comGeorge Russell tops second practice at MonzaGeorge Russell achieved the fastest time in the second practice session for the Italian Grand Prix. This performance is seen as a significant boost for his championship campaign.
espn.comFri 4 Sep · 16:13 UTC
via Formula1.comRussell beats Leclerc and Antonelli to FP2 fastest timeIn Free Practice 2 for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, George Russell set the fastest time, leading the session with a lap of 1m 22.559s. He was followed closely by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, who faced challenges due to an engine change that will see him start at the back of the grid for the race. The session saw all regular drivers back on track after missing the earlier practice, with notable performances from Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton finishing fourth and fifth respectively.
The practice session was marked by competitive lap times and close racing, with drivers attempting to gain an advantage through slipstreaming. Verstappen encountered issues with downforce, while Leclerc briefly lost control but managed to recover. The session concluded with Russell maintaining his lead, setting the stage for an exciting qualifying ahead of the Grand Prix.Formula1.comFri 4 Sep · 15:47 UTC
via F1iGeorge Russell leads practice sessions at MonzaGeorge Russell emerged as the fastest driver in both practice sessions for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. He topped the timesheets in FP2, closely followed by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and teammate Kimi Antonelli.F1i+ 7 moreFri 4 Sep · 15:23 UTC
via the-race.comEverything you need to know about Italian GP FP2In the second practice session for the Italian Grand Prix, George Russell topped the timesheets, outperforming Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli. Russell's performance was marked by a strong showing on soft tires, despite ending the session with concerns about his car's suspension. Leclerc attempted to match his earlier pace from FP1 but faced a setback with a spin late in the session.
Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top five, while Max Verstappen struggled with car issues, finishing ninth. The session also saw notable performances from Arvid Lindblad and Ollie Bearman, with Bearman benefiting from an upgraded Ferrari power unit. Overall, the session highlighted competitive dynamics among the teams ahead of the race weekend.
the-race.comFri 4 Sep · 15:15 UTC
via espn.comLeclerc fastest in first practice at Italian GPIn the first practice session for the Italian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari achieved the fastest time, setting a record of 1:26.153. His teammate, Lewis Hamilton, followed closely in second place, while George Russell secured third. Title leader Kimi Antonelli faced a setback, as he will start from the back of the grid due to a grid penalty for a new engine, finishing fifth in practice. Lando Norris, who has recently won two races, finished sixth in the session, indicating his competitive form.
The session saw several drivers, including Max Verstappen, rotated out as teams fulfilled rookie obligations. Paul Aron emerged as the top rookie, finishing in 10th place. Additionally, the FIA has classified the Italian Grand Prix as a heat hazard amid the ongoing European heatwave, highlighting the challenging conditions for the teams and drivers.espn.comFri 4 Sep · 12:41 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri receives three-place grid penalty at MonzaOscar Piastri has been penalized with a three-place grid drop for the Italian Grand Prix after impeding Liam Lawson during qualifying. As a result, he will start the race from sixth position instead of third.
RacingNews365+ 13 moreFri 4 Sep · 12:12 UTC
via the-race.comGeorge Russell tops final practice at Italian Grand PrixThe results from Free Practice 3 at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix in Monza have been published. This session is part of the ongoing preparations for the race, which is the 13th round of the Formula 1 World Championship.the-race.com+ 6 moreFri 4 Sep · 11:32 UTC
Wikimedia Commons · Steffen Prößdorf · CC BY-SA 4.0Untitled storyWikimedia Commons · Steffen Prößdorf · CC BY-SA 4.0Untitled story
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc issues ‘isolate myself’ claim as Ferrari driver reveals personal cost of Italian GPCharles Leclerc, the Ferrari driver, has shared insights into the personal toll of competing at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, where he has experienced immense support from the Tifosi. He emphasizes the importance of isolating himself during the busy race week to recharge, as the demands of the event can be overwhelming, both physically and mentally. Leclerc has won the Italian GP twice, and with Ferrari's upgraded engine, he has the potential to become the second-most successful driver for the team at this event, trailing only Michael Schumacher.
Leclerc recalls the exhaustion he felt after his first victory at Monza in 2019, which lingered into the next race. His journey with Ferrari began in 2019 after a successful career in lower racing categories, and he has since established himself as a prominent figure in Formula 1, boasting nine wins and numerous pole positions. The unique atmosphere at Monza, coupled with the pressure of representing Ferrari, makes this race particularly challenging for him.f1oversteer.comFri 4 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMontoya predicts drama between Hamilton and LeclercJuan Pablo Montoya has highlighted the importance of teamwork for Ferrari during the Italian Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc also emphasized that slipstreaming will be a key factor in the race.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreFri 4 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via gpfans.comCharles Leclerc confirms Ferrari exit talks with F1 star honest about 'other opportunities'Charles Leclerc has acknowledged that he explored other opportunities in Formula 1, facilitated by his manager's discussions with rival teams. Despite these talks, Leclerc ultimately chose to renew his contract with Ferrari, where he has been a driver for eight seasons, emphasizing his loyalty to the team and his dream of driving for Ferrari.
In a recent podcast, Leclerc clarified that while he did not engage in negotiations himself, he was informed about potential options by his manager. He remains committed to Ferrari's success and aims to deliver strong performances, particularly as he prepares for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where he hopes to achieve his third victory.
gpfans.comFri 4 Sep · 07:59 UTC
via F1iRussell reveals Mercedes master plan for Monza qualifyingGeorge Russell has outlined Mercedes' tactical approach for the upcoming Monza qualifying, where Kimi Antonelli will assist him by providing a tow, despite starting from the back due to a grid penalty. This strategy aims to enhance Russell's chances of securing pole position on the long straights of the Monza circuit, which are conducive to slipstreaming tactics. Russell expressed optimism about the plan while acknowledging the limitations of modern aerodynamic configurations compared to previous years.
Despite the championship implications of Antonelli's penalty, Russell remains focused on his own performance and improvement. He feels revitalized after the summer break but recognizes the increasing challenge posed by competitors like McLaren and Ferrari, who are introducing upgrades. Russell anticipates a highly competitive race weekend, with the potential for any of the top four teams to contend for victory.F1iFri 4 Sep · 07:42 UTC
via f1oversteer.comOscar Piastri explains 2026 performance strugglesOscar Piastri has acknowledged ongoing performance struggles during the 2026 season as he prepares for the Italian Grand Prix. He has shared insights into his experiences in the cockpit and how teammate Lando Norris' recent success has highlighted areas for improvement.f1oversteer.com+ 2 moreFri 4 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari Introduces Engine Upgrades Ahead of Italian Grand PrixFerrari is set to debut its second engine upgrade of the season at the Italian Grand Prix. Driver Charles Leclerc expressed hope that the performance data from their simulator does not accurately reflect the car's capabilities.f1oversteer.comThu 3 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comPierre Gasly takes pole position at Italian Grand PrixPierre Gasly achieved pole position for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, marking a significant milestone for Alpine. He narrowly edged out George Russell by just 0.060 seconds during the qualifying session.
Motorsport.comThu 3 Sep · 17:35 UTC
via Motorsport WeekGeorge Russell admits belief that Mercedes must ‘put the team first’ ahead of F1 Italian GP weekendGeorge Russell has highlighted the necessity of prioritizing teamwork as he heads into the Italian Grand Prix weekend. Following a strong performance in Zandvoort, where he achieved Sprint pole and victory, Russell is looking to capitalize on his momentum despite his teammate Antonelli facing a grid penalty due to a new engine. The two drivers are currently in a competitive championship battle, with Russell emphasizing the importance of collaboration over individual ambition at this stage of the season.
As they prepare for the Monza race, known for its high speeds and challenging layout, Russell expressed optimism about the potential for an exhilarating race. He noted the excitement surrounding the slipstreaming opportunities and the strategic energy management required on the track. Russell's focus remains on teamwork, as both drivers aim to support each other while navigating the complexities of the championship.
Motorsport WeekThu 3 Sep · 17:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris raises McLaren concern as biggest weakness set for ultimate exposureLando Norris is preparing for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where he hopes to achieve a third consecutive victory. However, he has raised concerns about McLaren's performance, particularly in chicanes and low-speed corners, which have been a weakness since the introduction of new power-unit regulations. Despite recent successes, Norris acknowledges that Monza may not be as favorable for McLaren due to the circuit's characteristics.
Norris indicated that the team is aware of their limitations and is actively working on solutions. He noted that while they might consider compromising their top speed to improve performance in slow-speed corners, such adjustments are complex and do not guarantee immediate results. The team is focused on addressing these issues as they prepare for the race.RacingNews365Thu 3 Sep · 16:45 UTC
via the-race.comLando Norris launches junior racing team and programmeLando Norris has announced the formation of his own racing team and driver development program aimed at supporting underfunded talent. The initiative seeks to guide aspiring drivers through the ranks to Formula 1.the-race.com+ 1 moreThu 3 Sep · 16:33 UTC
via PlanetF1Stella makes Italian GP admission after Norris McLaren requestLando Norris has expressed concerns regarding the performance of the McLaren MCL40, particularly in low-speed situations, and has requested the team to focus on improvements. Despite recent successes, including back-to-back wins, he does not believe the car is capable of winning the championship without significant enhancements. McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, agrees that the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza will be a critical test for the team's capabilities, especially given the track's characteristics that do not favor the MCL40's strengths.
Stella and Norris both recognize the challenges posed by Monza's long straights and braking zones, which are not ideal for their car. While McLaren has shown promise in high-speed circuits, the team needs to confirm their improvements at Monza to maintain optimism for the remainder of the season. The last victory for McLaren at Monza was in 2021, and the team is eager to break that drought while addressing the performance gaps highlighted by Norris.
PlanetF1Thu 3 Sep · 16:17 UTC