Russell fastest in second practice as Monza pace picture stays unclear
George Russell led the way for Mercedes in the second practice session at Monza after Charles Leclerc had been quickest for Ferrari in the opening session. Long-run pace late in FP2 offered no clear favourite heading into the rest of the Italian Grand Prix weekend.
Friday practice at the Italian Grand Prix produced mixed signals at the front. Charles Leclerc put Ferrari on top in the first session, before Mercedes responded in the more representative second practice session with George Russell setting the fastest time.
That left the late long runs in FP2 as a key point of interest because they are viewed as an indicator of potential race pace for Sunday. Even so, the data did not establish a clear benchmark, with Mercedes and Ferrari both appearing firmly in the picture.
Russell's FP2 pace gave Mercedes early momentum, but Ferrari remained close enough to suggest it could challenge as the weekend develops.
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