George Russell leads eventful Monza FP2 ahead of Leclerc and Antonelli

Russell sets the pace as Ferrari responds

George Russell topped a lively second practice session at Monza ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc second and home favourite Kimi Antonelli completing the top three. The result offered Mercedes the clearest headline of the afternoon, while Ferrari remained firmly in contention in front of the Tifosi.

Cadillac’s difficult afternoon continued, with Sergio Pérez remaining in the pits after Colton Herta had stopped on track during FP1. Lando Norris also endured a tense moment when Lance Stroll cut across him on the straight, forcing the McLaren driver onto the grass to avoid contact.

Red Bull struggles as incidents interrupt the session

With 20 minutes remaining, Russell led Leclerc, Antonelli, Norris, Hamilton, Oscar Piastri, Lindblad, Max Verstappen, Tsunoda and Franco Colapinto. Red Bull, however, struggled to match the leading pace. Verstappen repeatedly complained about the car’s balance and later described it as more “jumpy” than earlier, while Liam Lawson remained stuck in 11th and could not improve.

Leclerc then lost the rear and spun with 10 minutes remaining, briefly alarming the packed grandstands before recovering. Colapinto later ran into the gravel but avoided the barriers. Gabriel Bortoleto’s session ended early when an engine issue stopped his Audi.

Neither the late incidents nor the final running changed the order. Russell finished fastest, followed by Leclerc, Antonelli, Norris and Hamilton in the top five, leaving Mercedes ahead but Ferrari close enough to keep Monza’s competitive picture open.