Italian GP – FP1 results and summary: Ferrari sets the pace in the first session
First 30 minutes
The first 30 minutes of FP1 at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza were full of excitement. Ferrari started with great energy, but McLaren’s Lando Norris and especially Max Verstappen in the Red Bull immediately ignited the competition. Surprisingly, Williams also made its presence felt among the top teams, with Alex Albon in second and Carlos Sainz in third during the early phase. Meanwhile, at Maranello, Ferrari focused on aerodynamic testing: both cars ran with flow-viz on the rear wing to gather crucial data.
Charles Leclerc experienced both highs and lows. On soft tires, the Monegasque set a purple sector, only to make a small mistake at Roggia, forcing him to lift off, though he had already completed a few laps within two-tenths of Verstappen. Shortly after, a curious incident occurred: during a red flag, Leclerc braked abruptly, but while slowing down, he overtook Nico Hülkenberg’s Sauber, which was on an out lap. Race control noted the incident but decided not to investigate further, closing the case.
Lando Norris faced similar issues to Leclerc, needing to lift off after a mistake at Serraglio, complaining alongside the Ferrari driver about rear instability. The session also featured lineup changes: Alex Dunne replaced Oscar Piastri at McLaren, while Paul Aron took Colapinto’s place at Alpine, both eager to maximize every lap on Monza’s unique stage.
Last 30 minutes
The second part of FP1 in Monza delivered strong emotions for Ferrari fans. Charles Leclerc was the first to push, opening with another impressive lap.
Meanwhile, Andrea Kimi Antonelli ran wide at turn 1 but rejoined safely. On the restart, Leclerc set a championship-caliber lap of 1:20.286, topping the timing sheets. The real twist came immediately after: Lewis Hamilton, also driving the Ferrari SF-25, snatched first place with a masterful lap, thrilling the fans in the grandstands.
The session was not without tense moments. Ollie Bearman caused an impeding incident that slowed Alex Dunne, while Pierre Gasly expressed his frustration over the radio at a slow Williams in Parabolica, which compromised his lap attempt.
The session finale brought a dramatic moment: George Russell suffered a power issue and had to stop at the side of the track.
Ferrari ended the first practice at Monza with encouraging signs: Lewis Hamilton on top, Charles Leclerc close behind, and the Tifosi dreaming of another home victory in the upcoming race.
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