Russell Leads Italian GP Practice Session

George Russell of Mercedes set the fastest lap during Friday's second practice session for the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, narrowly edging out Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli completed the top three for Mercedes. The session on Friday, September 4, 2026, saw teams preparing for Saturday's qualifying and Sunday's race at the high-speed circuit. Russell's best time of 1 minute 22.559 seconds on hard tires put him ahead, though he reported a vibration under braking from his front suspension. Leclerc was just 0.120 seconds behind, with Antonelli a further 0.141 seconds adrift. Lando Norris, who has won the last two Grands Prix for McLaren, was fourth fastest, nearly four tenths off Russell's pace. Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri rounded out the top six, placing Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren drivers in the leading positions. Max Verstappen of Red Bull finished the session in ninth place, struggling with car balance and a front wing change. He was behind Arvid Lindblad of sister team Racing Bulls and Oliver Bearman in an upgraded Haas. Yuki Tsunoda was tenth for Racing Bulls.