Russell Strikes Back for Mercedes in Monza Practice

George Russell answered Ferrari’s early speed with the fastest lap of Friday’s Italian Grand Prix practice, putting Mercedes at the top in the second session at Monza.

Russell completed his quickest lap in 1 minute, 22.559 seconds, 0.120 seconds faster than Charles Leclerc. Leclerc had led the opening session for Ferrari, finishing ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton in front of tens of thousands of enthusiastic fans at the team’s home race.

Kimi Antonelli, Russell’s Mercedes teammate and the championship leader, finished third in the second session. He was 0.141 seconds off the pace but is due to start from the back of the grid because of engine penalties. McLaren’s Lando Norris was fourth, followed by Hamilton and Oscar Piastri.

Russell and Hamilton are level on points after 12 rounds. Russell needs to win at Monza to close the 59-point gap to Antonelli. Norris, who has won the last two races, will be seeking a third straight victory on Sunday.

Ferrari arrived with an engine upgrade and is celebrating 30 years since Michael Schumacher’s first Italian Grand Prix win. The team last won at Monza with Leclerc in 2024. The first practice session was stopped by a red flag after Cadillac development driver Colton Herta, standing in for Sergio Perez, came to a halt beside the track.