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via CrashGeorge Russell tops final practice at Italian Grand PrixGeorge Russell recorded the fastest time in the final practice session for the Italian Grand Prix, finishing ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton. The session featured a notable near-collision between Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
via PlanetF1Mercedes reveals Italian GP tow plan in FP3 as Hamilton and Verstappen almost crashMercedes practiced a tow strategy in FP3 ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, with George Russell achieving the fastest lap time. Kimi Antonelli, who will start from the back of the grid due to an engine penalty, participated in the session and provided Russell with a tow that helped him improve his time significantly. The session saw various incidents, including Alex Albon's steering issues and Lewis Hamilton's near-miss with Max Verstappen as they both navigated traffic on the track.
The session concluded with Russell leading the timesheet, followed closely by Hamilton and Verstappen. Notably, Charles Leclerc had his lap time reinstated after initially being deleted for track limits, showcasing the competitive nature of the session. The high track temperature and the strategic use of slipstreaming were key factors influencing the performance of the drivers during FP3.
via PlanetF1‘Big mess’ – Verstappen plans to avoid ‘sh*tty’ situation at Italian Grand PrixMax Verstappen is preparing for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where he aims to improve his performance without relying on a tow from his teammate. He has yet to secure a victory this season and currently sits sixth in the championship standings, significantly trailing the leader, Kimi Antonelli. Verstappen recalls his successful qualifying strategy from the previous year, where he achieved pole position without assistance, and plans to replicate that approach this time around.
Despite the potential advantages of using a tow in qualifying, Verstappen is cautious about the risks involved, referencing past incidents that led to chaotic situations on track. He remains focused on optimizing his own car's performance and is leaving team strategies regarding potential tows up to the team's discretion.
via thejudge13.comFerrari shows promise with new engine at MonzaFerrari's recent advancements with the ADUO 2 engine have positioned them as a strong contender for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix. Mercedes acknowledges that Ferrari could pose a significant challenge during qualifying.
via f1technical.netMercedes explains unusual programme on opening day in MonzaMercedes had a productive opening day at the Italian Grand Prix, with George Russell achieving the fastest time in FP2. Kimi Antonelli, who will start from the back of the grid due to a penalty, focused on race preparation, allowing the team to gather valuable data on car performance in race conditions. The team is optimistic but cautious, acknowledging that Friday's pace may not carry over to the rest of the weekend.
Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes' Trackside Engineering Director, highlighted the importance of the contrasting programmes for Russell and Antonelli. Despite Russell's strong performance, he emphasized that the competitive landscape is tight, with Ferrari and other teams showing strong pace. Mercedes plans to analyze the data collected to make informed decisions moving forward in the race weekend.
via f1technical.netFerrari improves engine but Mercedes remains aheadMercedes demonstrated competitive pace during the opening day of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. George Russell topped the second practice session, while both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc remained in contention for top positions.
via Formula1.comLiam Lawson calls Friday practice productive for Red BullLiam Lawson and Red Bull Racing described their Friday practice session in Italy as productive. Despite not being among the top contenders, the team focused on gathering valuable data ahead of the race.
via Formula1.comRacing Bulls set out goal after solid first day in MonzaRacing Bulls had a promising start to the Italian Grand Prix weekend, with both drivers showing competitive times in practice. Arvid Lindblad consistently placed in the top ten, while Yuki Tsunoda made notable improvements between the two practice sessions, moving up to P10 by the end of the day.
Team Principal Alan Permane expressed confidence in the team's ability to advance through qualifying, aiming for both cars to reach Q3. Tsunoda reflected on his learning experience and the adjustments needed for the new season, highlighting the challenges and progress made during the practice sessions.
via PlanetF1Piastri not rushing McLaren contract talksOscar Piastri has expressed that the trend of longer contracts in Formula 1 does not significantly impact his perspective on his own future. He noted that even with the certainty surrounding rivals like Max Verstappen, he remains focused on his own career path.
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.
via Motorsport.comF1 Italian GP: Saturday schedule, weather forecast and how to watchThe article provides details about the schedule and weather for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza. George Russell topped the timesheets in the second practice session, narrowly beating Charles Leclerc, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start from the back due to an engine change. Max Verstappen struggled for balance, finishing ninth in practice.
Saturday's schedule includes free practice 3 and qualifying, with hot weather expected to impact tire and brake management. The race will take place on Sunday, and viewers can watch through various broadcasters depending on their region.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya spotted something ‘really interesting’ on Yuki Tsunoda’s Racing Bulls at MonzaDuring the FP2 session at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, Juan Pablo Montoya found a unique feature on Yuki Tsunoda's Racing Bulls car, specifically the use of two activators on the front wing for straight mode. This design choice is distinct from other teams and caught Montoya's attention as he observed the car in the pit lane.
Tsunoda, who returned to Racing Bulls for this race, finished in P10 while teammate Arvid Lindblad achieved P7. Meanwhile, Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson struggled, finishing P9 and P12 respectively. The VCARB 03 has been noted for its stability compared to the RB22, which may contribute to Tsunoda's competitive performance.
via CrashRed Bull urged to keep Liam Lawson for Spanish GPRed Bull Racing has expressed uncertainty regarding Isack Hadjar's potential return for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix. Team principal Laurent Mekies indicated that it may be challenging for Hadjar to race due to his ongoing recovery from injury.
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.
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.Page 32 of 57