What to Know About the 2026 Italian Grand Prix Qualifying at Monza
The 2026 Italian Grand Prix reaches qualifying at Monza with George Russell leading practice, Kimi Antonelli carrying a grid penalty, and four rookies getting FP1 mileage. This explainer covers the practice results, the stakes for the grid, and where to follow the session.
Russell Sets the Benchmark
According to Formula 1's official report, George Russell finished fastest in second free practice. The Mercedes driver's lap of 1 minute 22.559 seconds put him 0.120 seconds clear of Charles Leclerc's Ferrari. Kimi Antonelli was third in the other Mercedes, just 0.141 seconds off the pace. Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton completed the top five, with less than half a second covering the leading pack. The five drivers were separated by 0.457 seconds from first to fifth.
Antonelli Faces a Grid Penalty
Kimi Antonelli's strong practice lap will not translate into a strong grid position. The Mercedes driver is due to take an engine change and will start the Grand Prix from the back of the grid. That penalty reshapes the picture. While Antonelli has shown competitive pace, his race day will be defined by overtaking rather than position.
Rookies Took Over FP1
Second practice saw the full complement of regular drivers back in action. Max Verstappen, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and Sergio Perez all missed the opening one-hour session, with their seats taken by F1 rookies. That gave the newcomers valuable laps at Monza. FP2, by contrast, offered a more reliable guide to the team order.
Qualifying Sets the Starting Grid
Qualifying is the session that decides where each driver starts the race. The grid will not simply reflect the practice timesheets because of Antonelli's penalty. The session on Saturday will set the order for the Grand Prix.
How to Follow the Session
In the UK, Sky Sports F1 is showing the Italian Grand Prix weekend live. Its live blog is carrying final practice and qualifying updates, with video coverage available through the broadcaster. The qualifying session takes place on Saturday, ahead of the Grand Prix.