BREAKING NEWS LECLERC LEADS FERRARI ONE-TWO IN ITALIAN GRAND PRIX FI….read more

 BREAKING NEWS LECLERC LEADS FERRARI ONE-TWO IN ITALIAN GRAND PRIX FI….read more

Ferrari set the early pace at Monza
Charles Leclerc topped FP1 for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, leading a Ferrari one-two on home soil. The Monegasque posted a 1m 23.008s, putting him 0.173s clear of new team-mate Lewis Hamilton. It was an encouraging start for Ferrari after they debuted an engine upgrade for their home race. George Russell in the Mercedes was third, a further tenth back.
Leclerc’s fastest lap actually came on the medium compound tyre, not the softs, and held up until the end of the hour. Hamilton, wearing his #44 Ferrari, slotted in right behind him to give the Tifosi an early reason to cheer at Monza.
Context around the session

FP1 ran in hot and sunny conditions at 12:30 local time, with traffic proving an issue early on. Four rookies were also on track: Ayumu Iwasa in Verstappen’s Red Bull, Luke Browning for Williams, Paul Aron in Gasly’s Alpine, and Colton Herta in place of Perez at Cadillac.
There were already grid penalty implications for the weekend. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start from the back after exceeding his engine part allowance and was fifth for Mercedes in FP1. Verstappen also had penalties confirmed, along with several others    What it means for Ferrari and the weekend
A Ferrari 1-2 in FP1 at Monza is a big statement in front of the Tifosi, especially with Hamilton now paired with Leclerc. The upgrade package appears to have delivered immediate pace, and both drivers looked comfortable on low-fuel runs.

However, FP1 is just the opener. With penalties shaking up the grid and Mercedes and Red Bull still in the mix, qualifying and the race will be the real test. Leclerc will be aiming to repeat his 2024 Monza win, while Hamilton will be hoping his first home race for Ferrari translates FP1 speed into a podium.