Overview
- Ferrari introduced its second authorised power‑unit upgrade at Monza and showed immediate gains, with Charles Leclerc setting the fastest time in opening practice as both Ferraris ran a low‑drag, Schumacher‑tribute package.
- Mercedes hit back in Friday running when George Russell topped FP2 and then consolidated the edge by leading FP3, signaling the team has strong long‑run and slipstream pace to use on race day.
- Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, has exceeded his season allocation of engine components and will start Sunday’s Grand Prix from the back of the grid, a penalty that reshapes strategy and hands rivals a clear chance to reduce his points lead.
- Red Bull are unsettled: Isack Hadjar remains sidelined with a wrist injury so Liam Lawson is standing in, Max Verstappen reported handling and bouncing problems, and the team is still searching for an optimal setup.
- A stewards’ probe is open into Lance Stroll’s FP2 move that forced Lando Norris off line, rookie running has shuffled Friday lineups across teams, and the International Court of Appeal’s recent Monaco decision has altered earlier results and weekend context.