Russell tops final practice at Monza ahead of Hamilton and Verstappen
Mercedes driver George Russell set the fastest time in the final practice session for the Italian Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen completing the top three.
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 was followed by Lewis Hamilton in second place and Max Verstappen in third. The session, which began at 12:30 local time, saw early activity from Audi drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg before the Alpine pair joined.
Alex Albon experienced a steering-wheel issue early on, returning to the Williams garage, but later rejoined the track. Pierre Gasly led the timesheets after the first 15 minutes, while Ferrari sent Charles Leclerc and Hamilton out on soft tyres shortly thereafter. Kimi Antonelli briefly topped the chart with a 1:23.032 lap before receiving a grid penalty for an engine change.
A brief yellow-flag period was triggered when Liam Lawson spun into the first chicane, and Albon received a warning for not following Race Director instructions regarding the escape road. Later, Antonelli reclaimed the lead, two tenths ahead of Leclerc, with Gasly third.
Russell improved to the fastest time with a 1:22.697 lap, three tenths quicker than teammate George Russell, before setting his final best of 1:22.219. He reported being held up by traffic later in the session. In the closing minutes, drivers including Antonelli, Russell and Verstappen ran fresh soft tyres, producing a series of faster laps.
Williams used a tow strategy, with Albon and Antonelli—both starting from the back due to engine penalties—towing Carlos Sainz, a tactic they hope to exploit in qualifying. Both drivers will be investigated for a yellow-flag infringement.
Verstappen expressed frustration that a Ferrari was frequently in his way, while stewards noted a close encounter between Hamilton and Verstappen but took no further action. Russell was also mentioned for potentially impeding Oscar Piastri, but no investigation followed.
The final top-ten comprised Russell, Hamilton, Verstappen, Antonelli, Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, Arvid Lindblad, Oscar Piastri, Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto. Positions 11 through 22 were filled by drivers including Hülkenberg, Lawson, Bortoleto, Ollie Bearman, Yuki Tsunoda, Sainz, Esteban Ocon, Albon, Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez. The session concluded with focus shifting to qualifying, scheduled for 16:00 local time.