Russell leads Monza FP2 ahead of Leclerc and Antonelli
George Russell was fastest in second practice for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, leading Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by 0.120s. Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli was third as Ferrari remained close behind in Friday running.
George Russell set the pace in Free Practice 2 for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, posting a best lap of 1:22.559 for Mercedes. That left him 0.120 seconds clear of Charles Leclerc, with Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli third and 0.141s off the fastest time.
Russell’s quickest lap came in the second half of the session during a contest at the top involving Russell, Leclerc and Antonelli. Multiple reports described Russell as making a strong start to the weekend, while Ferrari stayed close in Friday practice.
The session took place in very hot conditions at Monza. Max Verstappen returned to Red Bull duties after handing his car over to Ayumu Iwasa earlier in the day.
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