Russell tops final practice at Monza ahead of Hamilton and Verstappen

George Russell recorded the quickest lap in the final practice session for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, posting a time of 1:22.219. He finished ahead of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, who was 0.226 seconds slower, and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, who was third.

The session saw a competitive midfield, with Mercedes teammate Antonio Giovinazzi (listed as Antonelli) posting the fourth-fastest time. McLaren's Lando Norris and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc rounded out the top six, while rookie Arvid Lindblad of Racing Bulls took seventh.

Earlier in the hour, Alpine drivers Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly led briefly on medium tyres before Antonelli set a leading time on soft tyres, later improving before a mistake at Parabolica ended his run. Red Bull stand-in Liam Lawson spun at the first chicane, and Verstappen's pace prompted Russell to improve his own times, ultimately securing pole position for the practice.

Mercedes benefited from slipstream assistance between its two drivers, and Antonelli, who will start from the back of the grid due to an engine penalty, is expected to aid Russell in the upcoming qualifying session. McLaren struggled throughout the weekend, with Oscar Piastri finishing eighth after multiple lock-ups, while Aston Martin and Cadillac remained at the rear of the field.