FP2 at Monza saw Norris top the timesheets, ahead of Leclerc and Sainz. Drama, red flags, and surprises shaped the thrilling Friday session.
Introduction
Friday afternoon at Monza turned into a lively showcase of speed, drama, and strategy as Lando Norris guided McLaren to the top of the timesheets in FP2. The Briton set the pace, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc close behind and Carlos Sainz surprisingly strong in the Williams. But this wasn’t just about lap times—red flags, off-track excursions, and unexpected struggles painted a vivid picture of the upcoming Italian Grand Prix weekend.
Norris Leads the Pack at Monza
The spotlight belonged to Lando Norris, who clocked the fastest lap of the session at 1m 19.878s. His ability to push the McLaren to the limit on the soft tyres, even after abandoning an earlier attempt, highlighted both his confidence and the team’s form. Norris looked comfortable, aggressive, and ready to take the fight to Ferrari in their own backyard.
A Ferrari Response After FP1 Glory
Ferrari had given their home fans reason to cheer in FP1, but FP2 brought them back to reality. Charles Leclerc managed to place second, just 0.083s off Norris. His car showed flashes of speed, though he battled grip issues and went off at Ascari late in the session. For the Tifosi, it was a reminder that Ferrari still needs to find that extra edge if they want to lock out the front row on Saturday.
Sainz Surprises with Williams Pace
Perhaps the biggest shock came from Carlos Sainz in a Williams. Slotting into third place, Sainz showcased pace that left many scratching their heads. Was this a case of low fuel, or could Williams genuinely trouble the big names this weekend? Whatever the case, it was an encouraging sign for the Grove-based squad.
McLaren’s Early Mirror Drama
Both Norris and Oscar Piastri faced an odd issue—missing or cracked mirrors. Piastri was forced into repairs, while Norris even lost a mirror completely during his run. In a sport where every detail matters, it was almost comical, like a driver trying to win a chess game without seeing the full board. Still, McLaren handled it quickly, and their pace proved unaffected.
Antonelli’s Spin Brings Out Red Flag
Hometown rookie Kimi Antonelli had the Monza crowd buzzing, but his afternoon ended in frustration. Spinning out at Lesmo 2 and beaching his Mercedes, Antonelli brought out the red flag. The stoppage allowed teams to regroup, but for Antonelli, it was a learning experience in front of his passionate Italian fans.
Gasly and the Gravel Shower
Not long before Antonelli’s drama, Pierre Gasly misjudged the Ascari chicane. His trip through the gravel scattered stones across the circuit, forcing drivers to dodge debris. It was a reminder of just how unforgiving Monza can be—the tiniest mistake can send a car sliding off into trouble.
The Soft Tyre Gamble
As the clock ticked down, drivers switched to the soft compound tyres. This was when the session truly came alive. Norris delivered on his second attempt, Leclerc found more speed, and Sainz consolidated his pace. Soft tyres always act like a magnifying glass at Monza, revealing who can truly unleash one-lap brilliance.
Verstappen’s Troubling Feedback
Max Verstappen, usually the benchmark, struggled to find comfort in his Red Bull. Complaining that the car was “really jumpy” and “nervous on every little bump,” the Dutchman didn’t look entirely in sync. He wound up sixth, a position that will raise eyebrows heading into Saturday.
Leclerc’s Grip Struggles
Leclerc’s frustration was evident when he radioed that he had “no grip at all—like zero.” Despite finishing second, his Ferrari seemed unpredictable at times, suggesting that the setup window is still far from perfect. His off-track moment at Ascari underscored the issue.
Piastri’s Stewards Investigation
Oscar Piastri had speed to match Norris but ended up fourth. However, his afternoon didn’t end at the chequered flag—he was summoned to the stewards for allegedly entering the fast lane of the pit lane before the restart. It was a minor procedural hiccup, but one that could carry consequences.
Hamilton’s Rollercoaster Session
Lewis Hamilton enjoyed strong early pace but couldn’t keep it clean. His late trip into the gravel at Lesmo 2 cut short a promising lap. Finishing fifth, Hamilton’s run was a mix of brilliance and missteps—an echo of Mercedes’ up-and-down season so far.
Williams’ Rising Strength with Albon
Alex Albon proved once again why Williams keeps him at the heart of their project. Despite a scary snap at Lesmo 1, he managed seventh place, underlining Williams’ growing competitiveness. For a team once written off, it’s like watching a phoenix rise from the ashes.
Midfield Battle: Hulkenberg, Tsunoda, and Russell
Behind the frontrunners, the midfield had its own tight scrap. Nico Hulkenberg, Yuki Tsunoda, and George Russell all squeezed into the top ten. Russell, after morning hydraulic woes, gave Mercedes more data to work with, but the pack looks so close that qualifying could be a lottery.
Rookie Watch: Hadjar, Bortoleto, and Bearman
It wasn’t just the regulars making headlines. Isack Hadjar impressed as the fastest Racing Bulls driver, while Gabriel Bortoleto had a brush with the stewards over a yellow flag infringement. Oliver Bearman gained more valuable experience in the Haas. These rookies are writing their own mini-stories within the Monza weekend.
What’s Next Ahead of FP3 and Qualifying?
With the data logged and the drama behind them, teams now turn their eyes to FP3 on Saturday at 12:30 local time, followed by the all-important qualifying. Norris may have drawn first blood, but Ferrari has the crowd behind them, and Verstappen won’t stay quiet for long. Monza is building toward a Saturday showdown.
Conclusion
FP2 at Monza was a session packed with twists and turns—literally. Norris and McLaren sent a strong message, Ferrari stayed within striking distance, and Williams added a shock twist. Red flags, gravel showers, and rookie errors made it a rollercoaster hour. If this is a preview of the Italian Grand Prix, fans are in for a thrilling weekend.
FAQs
1. Who was fastest in FP2 at Monza?
Lando Norris topped the session with a time of 1m 19.878s in his McLaren.
2. How did Ferrari perform in FP2?
Charles Leclerc finished second, just behind Norris, while Carlos Sainz impressed in third with the Williams entry.
3. Why was FP2 red-flagged?
The session was briefly halted when Kimi Antonelli spun and beached his Mercedes at Lesmo 2.
4. Did Max Verstappen face issues during FP2?
Yes, Verstappen reported that his car felt “jumpy” and “nervous,” which left him in sixth place.
5. When is FP3 and qualifying at Monza?
FP3 is scheduled for Saturday at 12:30 local time, with qualifying later that afternoon.
