Italian GP:Friday Free Practice
First Practice in Monza:Ferrari Lead,Hamilton Sets the Fastest Time
Practice sessions in Monza carry particular significance: it is the only circuit where teams set up their cars with minimal downforce in pursuit of record speeds on the straights. Drivers require time to adapt to the more “nervous” handling of the cars under these conditions.
In the opening session,McLaren and Alpine made temporary substitutions: Alex Dunn took the seat of championship leader Oscar Piastri, while Paul Aron replaced Franco Colapinto. Drivers began their runs on the harder tyre compounds, assessing degradation over distance while gradually increasing their pace.
The session was not without incidents. Several drivers cut corners or clipped the gravel, Aron spun in the second chicane, and Hadjar went off at Ascari, bringing out the red flag to clear the track. Towards the end, George Russell stopped on the straight before the second chicane due to hydraulic issues, and the session concluded under Virtual Safety Car conditions.
Lewis Hamilton set the best lap time of 1:20.117, while the Ferrari drivers topped the timesheets overall much to the delight of the tifosi at their home circuit.
