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Monza F1: George Russell leads practice sessions ahead of Italian Grand Prix
Preparations for the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix at Monza are underway, with Mercedes driver George Russell showing strong form. Russell topped the second and third free practice sessions, demonstrating competitive pace on the legendary circuit.
Ferrari remains a major contender, particularly with Charles Leclerc, who led the first practice session. However, Lewis Hamilton noted that while the team's new engine is an improvement, Ferrari still faces challenges regarding straight-line speed compared to Mercedes. Ferrari has also confirmed that Hamilton will have priority in choosing the qualifying run order to potentially utilize the slipstream advantage.
In the Alpine camp, Franco Colapinto has shown encouraging progress, finishing 9th in FP1 and 11th in FP2, consistently outperforming teammate Pierre Gasly. Meanwhile, championship leader Kimi Antonelli faces a setback, as he will start from the back of the grid on Sunday due to a power unit penalty.
Security for the event has been bolstered by the involvement of international police officers from France, Poland, and Spain to assist local authorities in managing the large crowds expected at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza.
Entities
Charles Leclerc · Ferrari · Fred Vasseur · George Russell · Kimi Antonelli · Lewis Hamilton · Luca Cordero di Montezemolo · Mercedes · Monza
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] Kimi Antonelli finished fourth in the session.
- [DISPUTED] Kimi Antonelli will start from the back of the grid on Sunday due to power unit and battery changes.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Max Verstappen placed third in the final practice session.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Track temperatures reached 54 degrees Celsius during the third practice session.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Lewis Hamilton finished second in the session, 0.226 seconds behind Russell.
- [● 4 SOURCES] George Russell finished fastest in the third free practice session at the Italian Grand Prix.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Charles Leclerc finished sixth in the practice session.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Lando Norris finished fifth in the practice session.