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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.
+ 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.
Fri 4 Sep · 15:15 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFred Vasseur admits Ferrari were behind on developing their 2026 F1 car for '18 months'Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has acknowledged that the team fell behind in the development of their 2026 F1 car for a significant period of 18 months. Despite this setback, Ferrari has been aggressive in their car development efforts, with their SF-26 chassis being recognized as one of the best on the grid this season. Mercedes initially dominated the season, but Ferrari's advancements have made the competition more challenging for them.
Vasseur highlighted that while the chassis development is progressing well, the engine development lagged behind. Ferrari has implemented two upgrades this season, and recent performance indicators suggest that these changes are yielding positive results. The team is optimistic as they continue to enhance their performance and support their drivers in the ongoing championship race.
Fri 4 Sep · 13:30 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.
Fri 4 Sep · 12:41 UTC
via racer.comTechnical updates: 2026 Italian Grand PrixThe 2026 Italian Grand Prix sees all Formula 1 teams, except Audi, implementing various technical upgrades aimed at enhancing performance and reducing drag. Notable changes include McLaren's new rear wing and Ferrari's comprehensive drag range package, which targets aerodynamic efficiency specific to the Monza circuit's characteristics. Other teams like Williams and Aston Martin also introduced modifications to improve their cars' performance on the track.
The upgrades vary in scale, with some teams like Haas making significant changes to their floor and bodywork, while others like Alpine opted for minor adjustments. The focus across the board is on optimizing aerodynamics and reliability, reflecting the competitive nature of the championship as teams strive to maximize their performance at this iconic venue.
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.
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via Formula1.comRosso Corsa: Why Ferrari race in red – and when they haven’tScuderia Ferrari is synonymous with the color red, having a rich history tied to Italy's national racing colors. The team has achieved remarkable success in Formula 1, including 16 Constructors' Championships, and continues to honor its legacy with special liveries, such as the one commemorating Michael Schumacher's 1996 Monza victory. The iconic red shade, known as Rosso Corsa, has evolved over the years, but Ferrari has occasionally strayed from it, most notably in 1964 when they raced in blue as a form of protest.
Throughout its history, Ferrari has utilized various colors for its cars, including yellow and green, but red remains the hallmark of the brand. The team's commitment to this color reflects its heritage and connection to Italian motorsport. As they prepare for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, Ferrari's return to a classic red livery highlights the enduring significance of this color in their identity.
Fri 4 Sep · 10:10 UTC
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 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.Fri 4 Sep · 09:00 UTC
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.
+ 2 moreFri 4 Sep · 08:46 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.+ 1 moreFri 4 Sep · 08:00 UTC
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.
Fri 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.
Fri 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.Fri 4 Sep · 07:42 UTC
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.Fri 4 Sep · 03:00 UTC
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.Fri 4 Sep · 01:00 UTC
via RaceFansOn This Day: Scarfiotti grabs home win for Ferrari at Monza as Brabham takes title | BriefOn September 4, 1966, Ludovico Scarfiotti achieved a significant milestone by winning the Italian Grand Prix, marking the last occasion an Italian driver has won this prestigious race. Scarfiotti's victory was particularly notable as he drove for Ferrari, a team synonymous with Italian motorsport success. Despite this, the most recent home race win for an Italian driver remains Riccardo Patrese's triumph at the 1990 San Marino Grand Prix.
Additionally, while Scarfiotti's win stands out, Mario Andretti, who was born in Italy but later became an American citizen, won the Italian Grand Prix in 1978. The 1966 race also saw Jack Brabham clinch his third and final world championship, adding to the historical significance of the event.
Thu 3 Sep · 23:01 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari F1 legend marries in stunning ceremony ahead of Italian Grand PrixJean Alesi, the former Ferrari F1 driver, recently married Ania in a picturesque ceremony in Italy, just days before the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The event was attended by around 100 guests, including fellow F1 legend Alain Prost, and featured a beautiful seaside backdrop followed by a celebratory lunch at a historic venue.
Alesi, who debuted in Formula 1 in 1989 and had a notable career with Ferrari, winning one race and securing 15 podium finishes, shared moments from the wedding on social media. While he has been a regular presence in the F1 paddock since his retirement in 2001, it remains unclear if he will be present at the upcoming race due to his honeymoon plans.Thu 3 Sep · 21:29 UTC
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.Thu 3 Sep · 20:44 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.Thu 3 Sep · 19:00 UTCPage 28 of 58
