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via f1technical.netNorris hints at "odd" performance from his McLaren in Monza practiceDuring the practice sessions for the Italian Grand Prix, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri showed promising pace, with Norris finishing fourth in FP2 and Piastri sixth. Despite these results, Norris expressed concerns about the car's performance, particularly in cornering, and stated that they are not currently in a position to compete for pole position. The team is focusing on understanding their low-downforce package and the unique rear wing design to enhance their performance.
Both drivers recognized the competitive landscape, with strong showings from rival teams like Mercedes and Ferrari. They emphasized the need for further analysis and adjustments overnight to improve their car's balance and overall performance ahead of qualifying. The team remains optimistic about unlocking more potential from their package as they prepare for the crucial sessions ahead.
Fri 4 Sep · 22:00 UTC
via Motorsport.com"We clearly have an issue" – Red Bull responds to Max Verstappen's radio complaintsRed Bull Racing faced significant challenges during the practice sessions for the Italian Grand Prix, particularly with Max Verstappen's car balance. Technical director Pierre Wache confirmed that the team is grappling with similar issues to those experienced at Zandvoort, including a lack of rear downforce and heavy bouncing. Verstappen's absence from the first practice session limited the team's data collection, complicating their efforts to address these problems effectively.
Ayumu Iwasa, who substituted for Verstappen in the first session, echoed the concerns about the car's balance, especially at high speeds. Wache stated that the team is focused on optimizing energy management and evaluating various car components to improve performance. Despite their strong track record in overcoming difficulties, Wache expressed caution about their ability to turn the situation around in time for the race.
Fri 4 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via Formula1.comOliver Bearman Comments on Haas Upgrades at Italian Grand PrixHaas has introduced significant upgrades for the Italian Grand Prix, with only Oliver Bearman receiving the new Ferrari power unit. Bearman described the improvements as a 'night and day difference' compared to earlier performances this season.
+ 2 moreFri 4 Sep · 17:57 UTC
via Motorsport.comMercedes vs Ferrari: Italian GP long runs leave no clear favouriteThe Italian Grand Prix is shaping up to be a close contest between Mercedes and Ferrari, with both teams showing competitive long run times during practice sessions. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton demonstrated equal pace, while George Russell closely followed, indicating a tight race ahead. Mercedes appears to gain an advantage early in the lap, while Ferrari makes up time in the final sector, leaving the outcome uncertain as both teams prepare for qualifying and the race.
In contrast, McLaren struggled to keep pace, lagging behind by four tenths, and Red Bull is positioned as the fourth-best team at Monza. The midfield dynamics are shifting, with Audi facing challenges in engine performance, while Alpine seems to be making a comeback. Overall, the competitive landscape is tight, and minor mistakes could significantly impact race positions.Fri 4 Sep · 17:47 UTC
via Formula1.comLando Norris Expresses Doubts About McLaren's Pole Position ChancesAfter 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.+ 2 moreFri 4 Sep · 17:22 UTC
via f1technical.netGeorge Russell Tops Final Practice at 2026 Italian Grand PrixGeorge Russell recorded the fastest time in the final practice session for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. He was followed closely by Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli.+ 2 moreFri 4 Sep · 17:01 UTC
via Sky Sports F1George Russell Leads Second Practice at Italian Grand PrixGeorge Russell achieved the fastest time in the second practice session for the Italian Grand Prix. His performance marked a strong response from Mercedes following Ferrari's earlier pace.
+ 1 moreFri 4 Sep · 15:17 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell Leads Second Practice at 2026 Italian Grand PrixGeorge Russell recorded the fastest time in the second practice session for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. He narrowly outpaced Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli, who are also key contenders in the championship.
+ 3 moreFri 4 Sep · 15:01 UTC
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell Leads Second Practice at Italian Grand PrixGeorge Russell secured the fastest time in the second practice session for the Italian Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli. Russell's best lap was recorded at 1m22.559s, showcasing strong performance from the Mercedes team.
via CrashLeclerc Tops First Practice at Italian Grand Prix in MonzaCharles Leclerc set the fastest time in the opening practice session for the Italian Grand Prix, leading a Ferrari 1-2 alongside teammate Lewis Hamilton. The session took place under hot conditions at Monza, with Leclerc's best lap recorded at 1m23.008s.
via grandprix.comBearman gets Haas's only upgraded Ferrari engineOliver Bearman will be the only Haas driver to race with the upgraded Ferrari engine at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, while Esteban Ocon will use the previous engine specification. This decision was made by team principal Ayao Komatsu, who noted that Ocon had received new components on two prior occasions, and the allocation is aimed at balancing the season's opportunities rather than favoring one driver over the other.
Both drivers will benefit from a significant aerodynamic update, although the impact of the engine difference will be more pronounced at Monza due to its unique layout and demands on engine performance. Ocon has acknowledged that the older engine will result in a performance deficit, and while he will eventually receive the upgraded engine, the current setup will provide a clear comparison of the two power units during the race weekend.
via CrashFranco Colapinto Dominates Practice Sessions at MonzaFranco Colapinto showcased strong performance by leading both Practice 2 and Practice 3 at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. He outpaced notable competitors including Pierre Gasly and Gabriel Bortoleto during the sessions.
+ 3 moreFri 4 Sep · 09:30 UTC
via f1technical.net"A new phenomenon for us," claim Hamilton and Bearman as they warn of Monza’s ...Lewis Hamilton and Ollie Bearman highlighted the unique energy management challenges posed by the 2026 regulations at Monza, a circuit known for its high speeds and braking zones. The new rules require drivers to adapt their techniques, including potentially downshifting earlier and managing electrical energy more carefully due to the FIA's stringent energy-harvesting limits at this track.
Hamilton noted that drivers will likely approach braking zones at significantly lower speeds than in previous seasons, while Bearman emphasized that the long straights at Monza exacerbate the difficulties of the new regulations. Both drivers expressed that this experience is unfamiliar and will require time for adaptation as they learn to optimize their performance with the new technology.Fri 4 Sep · 05:00 UTC
via the-race.comHaas Selects Oliver Bearman for Exclusive Engine Upgrade at Italian GPHaas F1 Team has decided to provide only Oliver Bearman with the new Ferrari engine for the Italian Grand Prix. The team faces a challenging decision as they can only allocate the upgraded power unit to one driver.
+ 2 moreThu 3 Sep · 17:07 UTC
via Motorsport.comHaas Drivers Split Upgraded Ferrari Engine for Italian GPHaas will provide its upgraded Ferrari engine to only one of its drivers at the Italian Grand Prix. Esteban Ocon confirmed he will not receive the upgraded unit, which will be used by his teammate Oliver Bearman.+ 2 moreThu 3 Sep · 12:31 UTC
via CrashAston Martin's Alonso and Cardile Remain Confident in Honda PartnershipAston Martin's technical chief Enrico Cardile and driver Fernando Alonso have expressed unwavering support for their partnership with Honda despite recent performance challenges. Both emphasized their belief in Honda's potential to improve and succeed in Formula 1.+ 4 moreThu 3 Sep · 11:59 UTC
via f1technical.netMercedes identifies key weaknesses to address after Zandvoort defeatMercedes is analyzing its performance after a challenging race at the Dutch Grand Prix, where they secured a second and third place finish but struggled to match the pace of Lando Norris and McLaren. Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin highlighted specific weaknesses in high-speed corners, particularly at Turns 7, 8, and 9, and noted that the performance drop varied between their drivers during different tire stints.
As they prepare for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Mercedes faces the task of understanding whether the issues at Zandvoort were unique to that circuit or indicative of a larger problem with their car. The team is also investigating the contrasting handling characteristics reported by their drivers, which adds complexity to their analysis ahead of the next race.Wed 2 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comHonda manager has worked out how Yuki Tsunoda got so close to Liam Lawson’s pace at Racing BullsYuki Tsunoda made a strong impression during his debut with Racing Bulls at the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing 11th after a late penalty affected his race. He stepped in for Liam Lawson, who was filling in for the injured Isack Hadjar, and managed to closely match Lawson's qualifying pace despite having no prior experience with the 2026 cars. Honda's Shinji Nakano noted Tsunoda's performance exceeded expectations, attributing it to the car's driver-friendly design and Tsunoda's motivation to impress potential teams for the future.
Racing Bulls have been focusing on creating a car that is easy to handle, a strategy shaped by past experiences with driver performance. Currently, they are the leading team in the midfield standings with 66 points. Both Tsunoda and Lawson are now waiting for updates regarding Hadjar's recovery and potential return to racing.
Tue 1 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comHaas Introduces Major Upgrades Ahead of Italian Grand PrixHaas is set to implement a significant upgrade package at the Italian Grand Prix in an effort to improve their performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Team principal Ayao Komatsu acknowledged the team's struggles to keep pace with competitors after a strong start to the season.+ 2 moreTue 1 Sep · 15:59 UTC
via f1oversteer.comOscar Piastri Adopts Experimental Approach to Improve PerformanceOscar Piastri is focusing on experimentation to address his performance gap with teammate Lando Norris. The McLaren driver is working to adapt to the 2026 regulations while identifying and overcoming his current struggles.+ 4 moreMon 31 Aug · 19:30 UTCPage 2 of 6