Monza, Italy, September 4, 2026: George Russell topped Free Practice 2 for the 2026 FIA Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix, putting Mercedes at the head of the timesheets at Monza. The British driver set a fastest lap of 1:22.559 to finish just 0.120 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

Mercedes continued its strong showing with Kimi Antonelli third, only 0.141s away from his team-mate’s benchmark. Lando Norris led McLaren in fourth, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton completed the top five.

Russell Edges Leclerc in Tight FP2 Session

Following a busy opening practice session, FP2 got underway in extremely hot conditions at the Temple of Speed. The Audi drivers were among the first to take to the circuit, while Max Verstappen returned to action after sitting out FP1 as Red Bull handed his car to rookie Ayumu Iwasa to satisfy the mandatory rookie running requirement.

Antonelli established the early benchmark on the hard compound, recording a 1:23.417. Russell quickly closed the gap to just 0.017 seconds, also using the hard tyre.

Verstappen, meanwhile, endured a difficult start to his first competitive running of the weekend. The Red Bull driver reported a lack of downforce and subsequently complained about the car’s overall handling and braking performance. Red Bull responded with a front-wing change in an effort to improve the balance.

As teams switched their focus towards qualifying simulations, the soft tyres began to appear.

Antonelli initially moved to the top with a 1:22.700, but Russell immediately responded with a 1:22.686, despite running wide and sliding through the Ascari chicane.

Leclerc then briefly took P1 with a 1:22.679, before Russell found more time on his next attempt. The Mercedes driver posted a 1:22.559 to reclaim the lead and ultimately remain fastest when the session ended.

Mercedes Leads, McLaren and Ferrari Follow

Antonelli held on to third place, giving Mercedes a 1-3 result in FP2. Norris was fourth for McLaren, followed by Ferrari’s Hamilton in fifth.

Championship leader Oscar Piastri was sixth in the second McLaren, 0.469 seconds away from Russell’s benchmark.

Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad delivered an impressive seventh-place result, finishing ahead of Haas driver Oliver Bearman. Verstappen recovered to ninth despite his earlier struggles, while Yuki Tsunoda completed the top 10.

Verstappen Continues to Struggle

Verstappen’s FP2 session remained difficult even after Red Bull made changes to the front wing.

The four-time world champion continued to report issues in the closing stages, including increased bouncing. At one point, he questioned whether the front axle might have suffered damage.

The Red Bull driver eventually finished ninth with a 1:23.377, 0.818 seconds off Russell’s pace.

There were also moments of drama elsewhere in the field. Leclerc spun at the Variante della Roggia during a longer run but managed to recover without hitting the barriers.

Alpine’s Franco Colapinto also had a brief excursion through the gravel at Ascari before safely returning to the circuit.

Long Runs Provide Race Preparation

With qualifying simulations completed, teams switched their attention to longer runs ahead of Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix.

All three tyre compounds were used during the long-run phase as teams collected data on degradation, tyre performance and race pace. Leclerc was among the drivers completing an extended stint on the soft compound.

Antonelli reported significant understeer during his long run, while Verstappen continued to highlight concerns about his Red Bull’s behaviour.

Despite the various issues elsewhere, Russell remained at the top of the timesheets when the chequered flag fell.

The Mercedes driver’s 1:22.559 was enough to give him a 0.120-second advantage over Leclerc, with Antonelli completing the top three.

2026 Italian Grand Prix FP2 Complete Results

Mercedes Sends a Strong Signal Ahead of Qualifying

Russell’s FP2 performance gives Mercedes an encouraging start to the competitive running at Monza. The narrow gaps at the front suggest qualifying could be closely contested, with Leclerc and Antonelli both within two-tenths of Russell.

Ferrari also showed strong one-lap pace on home soil, while McLaren remained firmly in contention with Norris and Piastri inside the top six.

For Verstappen and Red Bull, however, there is more work to do overnight. The team will need to investigate the handling, braking and bouncing issues before qualifying if the reigning champion is to challenge at the front.

With FP2 now complete, attention turns to the final practice session and then qualifying for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, where the battle for pole at Monza is expected to be extremely tight.