Italian GP: Charles Leclerc focuses on race pace and warns Ferrari must improve after FP2 changes. Charles Leclerc was satisfied with Friday at Monza.

Charles Leclerc close to the top

Second in the morning, second in the afternoon. That is how Charles Leclerc opened his Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza, where he is chasing a third career victory at the Temple of Speed after his triumphs in 2019 and 2024. McLaren are clearly the cars to beat, but the gap of just 83 thousandths to Lando Norris in FP2 suggests that on home soil the Ferrari SF-25 may not be too far behind the papaya machines.

In line with Lewis Hamilton

“It is always special to be on track in front of the fans,” said Charles Leclerc after Friday’s running. “The passion and energy here in Monza are truly unique. The car felt pretty good this afternoon and it was encouraging to finish FP1 on top.” The Monegasque also found himself agreeing with his Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton, who had pointed out that the feeling with the car worsened between FP1 and FP2.

“We made some changes between the sessions that we will analyse carefully, because we are not sure they took us in the right direction,” Charles Leclerc warned. “But there is time to sort things out ahead of tomorrow. Our single-lap pace looked competitive and we gathered valuable data on all three compounds: the priority will therefore be to understand how to keep improving race pace. I am confident the team can make good progress overnight and we will work to be ready for a strong qualifying.” – the Monegasque driver concluded at the end of the second free practice session for the Italian Grand Prix