Russell leads Mercedes in Monza Friday practice as McLaren test radical wing
George Russell set the fastest time in second practice for Mercedes, while Ferrari and McLaren showed strong pace and Kimi Antonelli faces a back-row start after a penalty.
The opening day of practice at Monza ahead of the 2026 Italian Grand Prix saw George Russell set the fastest time for Mercedes in the second practice session. Earlier in the day, Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets for Ferrari in FP1, giving the home crowd plenty to cheer about. These headline times set the stage for an intriguing weekend, with teams revealing different strategies and technical innovations.
Friday Practice Overview: Russell and Leclerc Lead the Sessions
Ferrari’s Approach: Long Runs and Power Unit Updates
Ferrari chose to focus on long-run pace and data gathering during the first practice session, opting not to run the soft compound tyres. This approach was in contrast to some of their rivals, who chased faster lap times early. The team introduced an updated power unit for the Monza weekend, aiming to improve both reliability and performance. Lewis Hamilton, who had the opportunity to sample the new engine, described it as a step in the right direction. Ferrari will be hoping this technical progress translates into a strong result at their home Grand Prix.
Mercedes: Split Strategies and Russell’s Pace
Mercedes adopted split strategies for their drivers on Friday. George Russell focused on qualifying simulations and short runs, which paid off with the fastest time in FP2. Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli, who will start from the back of the grid due to a power unit penalty, concentrated on race preparation. This allowed the team to maximise data collection for both single-lap and long-run performance as they prepare for the rest of the weekend.
McLaren: Innovation and Competitive Pace
McLaren drew attention in Friday practice by running an upside-down rear wing, an innovative approach aimed at exploring new aerodynamic concepts. Lando Norris emerged as the fastest McLaren driver in both sessions, underlining the team’s competitive pace. The car appeared capable of challenging for pole position based on Friday’s performance, and the team’s technical experimentation could pay dividends as the weekend progresses.
Kimi Antonelli: Back-Row Start After Penalty
Kimi Antonelli will face a challenging Italian Grand Prix, as he is set to start from the back of the grid due to a power unit penalty. With his race compromised before it begins, Mercedes tailored his Friday programme to focus on gathering data for race conditions rather than qualifying. This approach is intended to give Antonelli the best possible chance to recover positions during Sunday’s race.
Looking Ahead to Qualifying and the Race
Friday’s practice sessions in Italy provided a glimpse of each team’s priorities and potential for the weekend. Ferrari’s updates and long-run focus, Mercedes’ split strategies, and McLaren’s technical innovation have all set up a fascinating battle heading into qualifying. With the home crowd behind Ferrari and several teams showing strong pace, Saturday’s qualifying session is expected to be closely contested. The outcome will likely depend on which teams can best convert their Friday learning into performance when it counts.
