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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.
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.
via Motorsport.comRed Bull gives update on Isack Hadjar’s recovery timelineRed Bull Racing has provided an update on Isack Hadjar's recovery from a wrist injury, indicating that he will not participate in the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix. Hadjar has already missed the Zandvoort and Monza races, with Liam Lawson stepping in as his replacement. Team principal Laurent Mekies emphasized the importance of ensuring Hadjar's full recovery before he returns to the track.
Hadjar has sought advice from MotoGP champion Marc Marquez regarding his injury management. Mekies expressed that while Hadjar is eager to return, the team's focus is on his long-term health, stating that they will take the necessary time for his recovery. Additionally, Hadjar's points tally has been positively affected by a recent ruling concerning the Monaco Grand Prix.
via f1oversteer.comLiam Lawson expresses frustration over Monza qualifyingLiam 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 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.
via f1technical.netLawson opens up on key differences between Red Bull's and Racing Bulls' 2026 F1 carLiam Lawson is set to race for Red Bull at the Italian Grand Prix after Isack Hadjar was sidelined due to a wrist injury. Lawson had previously stepped in for Hadjar at the Dutch Grand Prix and is now looking to capitalize on this opportunity, having received late confirmation of his participation just days before the race. He feels that his experience from Zandvoort will help him adjust more easily to the car during the upcoming race weekend at Monza, which features a traditional format with three practice sessions.
In preparation for the race, Lawson has been balancing his readiness for both the Red Bull and Racing Bulls cars, which he describes as having significant differences in driving characteristics. He highlighted the Red Bull's superior high-speed grip and distinct handling, making the transition between the two cars challenging. Despite the late notice, Lawson managed to complete necessary preparations, including simulator sessions, to ensure he is ready for the race.
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.Untitled storyUntitled story
via RacingNews365Arvid Lindblad reacts to latest Red Bull snubDespite his disappointment, Lindblad understands the team's decision, recognizing that Lawson's familiarity with the car and recent performance provided a logical rationale for continuity. Lindblad, who has had a solid debut season with 23 points and no retirements, remains focused on his own performance as he prepares for the race weekend.
via PlanetF1Ferrari introduces engine upgrades at MonzaFerrari has brought four new components and a second ADUO power unit upgrade to the Monza circuit. Early telemetry indicates improved performance, although the team still trails Mercedes in straight-line speed.
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.
via f1technical.net“It’s the best feeling” to be a Ferrari driver at Monza, claims HamiltonLewis Hamilton expressed his excitement about returning to Monza as a Ferrari driver, highlighting the honor and privilege it represents. This marks his second year with the team after joining in 2025, and he noted that the experience remains fresh and magical for him despite having raced there previously. Hamilton also reflected on his childhood admiration for Michael Schumacher, recalling how he was inspired by the legendary driver during his formative years in Formula 1.
In addition to sharing his personal connection to Schumacher, Hamilton acknowledged the impact of the German driver's legacy on his career. He wore a shirt symbolizing their shared achievement of seven world championships and reminisced about the influence Schumacher had on his dreams of becoming a Formula 1 driver. Hamilton's return to Monza in Ferrari red signifies a full-circle moment from his childhood aspirations to his current reality as a driver for the iconic team.
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.
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.
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.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen addresses potential Liam Lawson help: 'I never ask'Max Verstappen has clarified his position regarding potential assistance from Liam Lawson during the qualifying session at the Italian Grand Prix. He stated that he does not request help from his team and is focused on his own performance, especially given Lawson's role as a substitute for Isack Hadjar due to injury. Despite the potential for slipstreaming to play a role at Monza, Verstappen is not interested in strategic maneuvers during his qualifying laps.
The article highlights the significance of slipstreaming at Monza, particularly under new FIA regulations that limit energy harvesting. Verstappen acknowledged that following closely behind another car might be more common this season, but he remains committed to his own racing strategy. He reiterated that the team aims for both drivers to excel, without relying on one to assist the other.
via f1technical.netHamilton reflects on the "one of his biggest automotive dreams" that he fulfilled at MonzaLewis Hamilton fulfilled a long-held dream by arriving at the Italian Grand Prix in a Ferrari F40, a car he had sought for its authenticity and low mileage. The F40 had remained largely untouched for over three decades, with its original owner driving it only 69 kilometers before parking it. Hamilton found the engine number 44, which coincidentally matches his racing number, adding to the car's significance for him.
Hamilton's arrival in the F40 at Monza was not just about racing; it was a celebration of Ferrari's heritage. He expressed a desire to connect the brand's past with its present through creative projects and public appearances. By choosing to drive the F40, Hamilton aimed to highlight the importance of Ferrari's history and create memorable moments for fans and the sport alike.
via f1technical.netHamilton reveals how he has helped reshape Ferrari behind the scenesLewis Hamilton has taken on a role at Ferrari focused on improving the team's performance by leveraging his experience from other Formula 1 teams. He believes that progress should come from a collaborative effort rather than emulating past successes like those of Michael Schumacher. Hamilton has actively pushed for changes in car design and operations, utilizing Ferrari's simulator to test new ideas, although some changes face limitations due to financial constraints and established practices within the team.
Despite the challenges, Hamilton remains optimistic about the progress made and aims to help Ferrari identify opportunities for improvement. His approach emphasizes recognizing both the strengths and weaknesses of the team, fostering a culture of continuous enhancement rather than attempting to lead a transformation single-handedly.
via gpfans.comFerrari F1 star Lewis Hamilton admits he has given up trying to learn ItalianLewis Hamilton, who has been racing for Ferrari for two and a half years, has announced that he has given up on learning Italian. He cited the challenges of a demanding season as the reason for halting his language lessons, despite having previously completed an immersion course in 2025. Hamilton expressed his love for Italian culture and food, indicating a desire to resume his studies when time allows.
The article highlights the difficulties of language learning, especially as one ages, and reflects on Hamilton's busy lifestyle that has hindered his progress. With the Italian Grand Prix approaching in Monza, it serves as a reminder of the cultural connections Hamilton wishes to embrace.Page 27 of 53













