Russell leads Hamilton and Verstappen in final Monza practice

Russell topped the third and final practice session for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza with a best lap of 1:22.219. The Mercedes driver, who had also been quickest in Friday’s second practice, finished 0.226s ahead of Ferrari’s Hamilton, while Red Bull’s Verstappen was another 0.124s back in third.

The session began quietly when the green light came on at 12:30 local time, with Audi drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg among the early runners. Running then built into a busy hour on a hot Monza circuit.

Several reports also placed championship leader Kimi Antonelli fourth in the order. Hamilton and Verstappen were involved in a close moment at a chicane during the session, but Russell remained at the top of the timesheets.