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George Russell Stands Firm on Italian GP Despite Practice Edge
Highlights
- George Russell set the fastest time in second practice session.
- Ferrari leads as favourite after introducing engine upgrade.
- Kimi Antonelli starts at the back due to power unit penalty.
- Mercedes reduced wing levels after better-than-expected track grip.
- McLaren and Red Bull remain strong contenders for top positions.
- Qualifying and race will clarify the final pecking order.
George Russell sets the pace in FP2 at Monza on Friday, yet downplays favourite status for the Italian Grand Prix.
He identifies Ferrari as the benchmark at home, helped by an engine upgrade introduced for this weekend.
Ferrari tops FP1 and runs Russell close in FP2. McLaren’s form keeps it competitive, while Red Bull remains a credible threat over one lap and long runs.
Russell tops FP2 at Monza but resists favourite tag.
Teammate Kimi Antonelli starts from the back after taking a new power unit, reducing Mercedes’ opportunities in qualifying strategy.
Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin notes higher-than-expected grip. Mercedes trims wing level on Russell’s car for FP2 to improve efficiency and straight-line speed.
Mercedes reduces wing level after unexpected grip boost, aiding straight-line performance.
The change allows cross-car correlation and guides overnight setup calls, with focus on braking stability and kerb compliance through Monza’s chicanes.
With margins tight, small efficiency gains could decide grid positions. Final wing choices must balance long straights against traction through Rettifilo and Roggia.
Ferrari’s new power unit package sets the benchmark on Friday pace.
Russell remains pragmatic, stressing that qualifying and the race will define the pecking order after teams commit to final downforce levels.
Ferrari appears best placed for victory, but Mercedes, McLaren, and Red Bull stay within range as track evolution and execution loom large.
Russell’s stance aligns with his measured view of the Monza battle, while scenarios remain open as outlined in our Monza prediction coverage.
Visual Summary
GR
FASTEST IN PRACTICE 2
But Ferrari Looms 🔥
Ferrari
McLaren
Russell’s Flying Lap
P1
Mercedes fastest on Friday – but not the favorite.
Ferrari Chasing Hard
🏠 Home advantage
🔧 Fresh engine
Scuderia still seen as the team to beat at Monza.
It’s Anyone’s Quali
McLaren & Red Bull
Join the Fray
Super tight field – each upgrade, every lap counts.
⬇️
Antonelli starts at the back
(penalty for new engine)
Antonelli starts at the back
(penalty for new engine)
Monza’s
Practice Shake-Up:
Four Teams… One Pole?
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.
