2026 F1 Italian GP Monza Free Practice 3 – Full Results & Highlights

George Russell tops final practice at Monza, leading a Mercedes one-two over Lewis Hamilton by over two-tenths. Max Verstappen sits third as the Italian Grand Prix weekend builds toward qualifying.

The spread from second to eighth is only three-tenths, underlining a tightly bunched field. Mercedes shows strong one-lap balance, while Red Bull’s baseline looks competitive after productive FP2 running.

Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris complete the top five, both showing efficient low-downforce trim. Their qualifying execution, especially towing strategy, will be pivotal around Monza’s long straights.

The hour runs cleanly overall. Liam Lawson spins at the first chicane, triggering brief yellows but no damage, and the session rhythm quickly resumes.

Oscar Piastri voices frustration over traffic and difficulties securing an effective tow for qualifying simulations. A late Russell lap compromises his best attempt, leaving the McLaren driver eighth.

Late drama centers on Hamilton and Verstappen. Hamilton sneaks ahead at final corner to start a flyer, before Verstappen dive-bombs into Turn 1, ruining both laps and drawing steward attention.

Race control also reviews potential yellow-flag infringements for both Williams drivers. Separately, Alex Albon receives a warning for misusing an escape road, reinforcing strict procedural expectations before qualifying.

Mercedes appears to hold the most confidence on low-fuel, soft-tyre laps. Russell strings sectors together convincingly, while Hamilton’s balance looks close enough to apply pressure through qualifying.

Red Bull’s deficit seems small and tuneable. Verstappen’s pace profile suggests minor set-up refinement, with track evolution likely to compress margins further once temperatures stabilise.

Home favourite Kimi Antonelli shows encouraging speed and composure. McLaren, through Norris and Piastri, remains potent on straightline efficiency, hinting at strategic flexibility for Sunday.

Expect qualifying to hinge on out-lap coordination, clean air, and disciplined tow execution. Small errors at Monza carry outsized costs, as shown throughout the final free practice session.

All of which sets up a compelling fight for pole in the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, with Russell the benchmark and the pack poised to punish any hesitation.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.