Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time. © APA/afp / PHILIPPE LOPEZ

Ferrari ahead in Monza: Hamilton top

Record world champion Lewis Hamilton finished the opening practice session for the Italian Grand Prix in first place in his Formula 1 Ferrari.

September 05, 2025

From: dpa

On the high-speed Monza circuit, the 40-year-old Briton relegated his teammate Charles Leclerc to second place. Things couldn't have gone better for the Tifosi in the standings, the Scuderia, and especially for Hamilton, who recently retired after a mistake at Zandvoort.

However, due to an infringement at the race in the Netherlands, the seven-time champion will be moved five positions back on the starting grid for Sunday's race (16.00 p.m.) after qualifying on Saturday (15.00 p.m.). Leclerc won the Scuderia's home race a year ago. It remains to be seen whether both drivers can replicate their fast laps in the one-hour session at the start of the current Grand Prix weekend.

Charles Leclerc is one of the top favorites. © APA/afp / PHILIPPE LOPEZ

Former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz finished third in his Williams, ahead of four-time world champion Max Verstappen in his Red Bull. World Championship runner-up Lando Norris finished sixth in his McLaren, and German Nico Hülkenberg finished 12th in his Sauber.

Piastri omits

World Championship leader Oscar Piastri, who holds a 34-point lead in the championship standings after his victory in the Netherlands and Norris's retirement due to a defect, did not drive in the one-hour session. In place of the 24-year-old Australian, young driver Alex Dunne, a 19-year-old Irishman, was allowed to drive the second McLaren.