Hamilton heads Ferrari one-two

Ferrari has enjoyed a sensational start to the Italian Grand Prix with Lewis Hamilton leading a one-two in opening practice.

After a disappointing Dutch double DNF, the “Prancing Horses” are back at full gallop in their natural habitat.

Fittingly, Hamilton finished his first session in red at Monza on top after firing a 1:20.117 inside the final five minutes to the roar of the Tifosi.

This pushed Charles Leclerc to second, 0.169s adrift, with former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz keeping Max Verstappen out of the top three in the low-downforce Williams.

Australia’s championship leader Oscar Piastri did not feature in the session, with Irishman Alex Dunne getting a drive as McLaren fulfilled one of its young driver sessions.

The one-hour session held under sunny skies was not without drama from start to finish.

Lando Norris, who could only manage sixth fastest, was the first to go off at the first chicane, where both Leclerc and Nico Hulkenberg soon followed.

Paul Aron, driving the Alpine in place of Franco Colapinto for the session, also suffered a spin at the Curva della Roggia chicane, while Isack Hadjar had a high-speed off at Ascari.

The latter incident created the first red flag, where Leclerc got caught out passing a Sauber.

During the early stages, the likes of Norris, Alex Albon, and Verstappen enjoyed stints at the top of the time sheets.

Despite reporting “no grip” Verstappen was the first to set a flyer on the Softs and found an extra tenth.

Following the Hadjar interruption, Leclerc fired out of the blocks to take P1 and held until Hamilton found another tenth at the death.

He recorded the lap just before the yellows arrived for a stopped George Russell with mechanical dramas forcing him to park his Mercedes just before the second chicane.

During the session, it was also revealed the iconic Monaco Grand Prix will remain the crown jewel on the F1 calendar well into the future.

Despite a deal already locking in the race until 2031, a four-year extension has been agreed to keep the world’s most famous race until at least 2035.

The race has forged a history since 1929 and remains as famous as ever.

“The streets of Monaco have been echoing with the sound of Formula 1 since the earliest days of the sport, so I’m delighted to announce the extension of this fantastic event to 2035,” said F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali.

“It is an iconic race that is loved by all drivers and fans, with a unique vibe thanks to its location on the world’s most glamorous Principality.

“I would like to say a special thank you to His Royal Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Michel Boeri, President of the Automobile Club of Monaco and everyone involved in securing the long-term future of this historic partnership.”

Italian Grand Pric FP1 results

2025 Italian Grand Prix

FP1 – Friday 21.30-22.30

FP2 – Saturday 1.00-2.00

FP3 – Saturday 20.30-21.30

Qualifying – Sunday 0.00-1.00

Grand Prix – Sunday 23.00

Read the new issue of Auto Action Digital HERE

Buy the new issue of Auto Action Premium HERE

Don’t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription here or you can purchase a copy of the latest issue from one of our outlets here.