The final free practice sessions of the Italian Grand Prix in Monza promise to be decisive in determining the hierarchies ahead of qualifying, which will start at 16:00. After two free practice sessions characterized by tight rhythms and different strategies on the track, the teams are ready to face the last crucial test session. Let's see what happened in FP3 of the Italian GP in Monza.
A Friday full of surprises in Monza
In FP1, the most sensational news was undoubtedly the eventful debut of Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The young Italian driver, after showing great speed in his first laps, ended his session prematurely with an impact against the barriers, but still demonstrated great potential. This morning also saw the arrival of the official of his entry as a Mercedes driver from 2025, a clear signal of his ambitions and his talent.
In FP2, however, the teams began to test their race pace, showing an interesting variety of performances. McLaren, thanks to Norris and Piastri, proved to be particularly competitive, with very promising times on race pace. Red Bull Verstappen, while not dominating as on other occasions, has maintained a consistency of performance that places it among the favorites, while Ferrari has shown encouraging signs, with updates that seem to work, but without managing to clearly distance itself from the competition. Mercedes has also stood out with a good pace, suggesting that it could be in the running for the top positions.
With qualifying just around the corner, the tension is palpable: today's result will largely determine the chances of success for the rest of the weekend. Qualifying at Monza is always crucial, and this year, with such close competition between the top teams, every detail could make the difference.
Back on track, it's already a fight for the Pole
After experimenting a lot on Friday with a comparison test between two surfaces on the RB20s of Verstappen and Perez, Red Bull in the FP3 of the Monza GP takes to the track with the same configuration for both drivers and with medium tyres. Different work for Ferrari who immediately launches with the soft as does McLaren. And it is precisely the two Papaya drivers who take the lead of the group with Norris ahead.
The track continues to evolve. Russell with the mediums takes the lead of the group with a time of 1:20.706, Hamilton also improves. We recall that Russell skipped FP1 to make room for his future teammate from 2025 Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
With the first three drivers stopped in the pits Charles Leclerc can easily exploit the full potential of the SF-24 and a slipstream on the straight in a second attempt that allows him to take the first position preceding Russell by 92 thousandths. The first 5 drivers are enclosed in less than 2 tenths, and what's more with a good difference in tires: Leclerc, Sainz, Norris with the soft and Russell, Hamilton with the yellow. Verstappen always with the yellow is 3 tenths from Leclerc's time. Impossible to make evaluations since everyone is on different jobs.
Meanwhile, an update on the power unit side arrives from the pits, adding to the changes announced yesterday is Carlos Sainz who will be using a completely fresh engine.
With 25 minutes to go, the lead in the standings is taken by Alexander Albon on the Williams with soft tyres. His teammate, the new arrival Franco Colapinto is in P15. The Thai's lead doesn't last long, the two Ferrari drivers also taking advantage of the different work of the other drivers confirm themselves in First and Second position, with red tyres.
Russell and Red Bull in race pace simulation, Ferrari continues to test qualifying
Meanwhile, Russell and the two Red Bulls begin a race pace simulation. Good times for Russell, who dropped to an excellent 1:23.023 after a few laps. The Red Bull simulation was less encouraging, with both Verstappen and Perez dropping rapidly. The Mexican is holding on to high times, 1:25.788. Since tire management is a very relevant question here in Monza, it is important to make these assessments. However, the differences in fuel load need to be understood.
In the meantime, the two Ferraris continue to test the qualification, evidently to have as many references as possible on one of the most critical issues for the Italian team. They are joined by the two McLarens, in qualifying simulation with new tyres. Despite this, neither of the two Woking drivers manages to attack the times of Charles Leclerc who remains firmly in command of the standings.
With 10 minutes to go, however, everyone gets going again with new tyres. The lead then goes to Mercedes, with Hamilton and Russell in first and second position with a gap of 93 thousandths.
Traffic is constant, both Sainz and Leclerc abort laps. Meanwhile, the problems for Red Bull continue. Perez ends up off the track at Roggia, suffering from a lot of understeer. The RB20, as accused by Max Verstappen, struggles in slow or medium-speed corners.
The FP3 of the Monza GP ends with the following classification:
Hamilton
Russell
Leclerc
Piastres
Norris
Verstappen
Sainz
Albon
Colapinto
Hulkenberg
