Italian GP 2026: Russell fastest after Leclerc FP1

George Russell set the quickest FP2 time at Monza after Charles Leclerc led Ferrari’s 1-2 in FP1, with Mercedes and Ferrari sharing Friday’s top spot.

George Russell set the fastest time in second practice for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, as reported by Formula1.com, BBC Sport, Autosport and Motorsport.com. Formula1.com said Charles Leclerc was second in FP2, with Kimi Antonelli third for Mercedes.

Earlier on Friday, Leclerc led first practice for Ferrari ahead of team-mate Lewis Hamilton, according to Formula1.com, Autosport and Motorsport.com. That left Ferrari quickest in FP1 before Mercedes moved to the top in FP2.

Russell arrived at Monza second in the drivers’ championship on 183 points, level with Hamilton in third, while Leclerc started the weekend fifth on 155 points. Russell came into the event with seven Formula 1 wins, while Leclerc had nine wins and 24 pole positions in his career.