Lando Norris led FP3 at Monza as Charles Leclerc split the McLarens ahead of Qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix.
Introduction
The Italian Grand Prix weekend is heating up at Monza, and FP3 gave fans a taste of the drama that Qualifying might bring. Lando Norris topped the timesheets, but Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc kept the Tifosi roaring by splitting the two McLarens with a brilliant late lap. With Oscar Piastri close behind and Max Verstappen lurking, the stage is perfectly set for an unpredictable Qualifying session later today.
The Atmosphere at Monza
Monza is unlike any other circuit on the Formula 1 calendar. Known as the “Temple of Speed,” it blends history, passion, and pure adrenaline. The Tifosi—the most passionate fans in motorsport—fill the stands in red, hoping to see Ferrari shine. FP3 captured that atmosphere perfectly, as every lap from Leclerc brought cheers, while Norris and Piastri gave the McLaren fans reasons to believe.
How FP3 Unfolded
Unlike usual final practice sessions where drivers rush out early, FP3 at Monza started slowly. The first 10 minutes saw just installation laps as teams scrubbed tyres and tested car balance. But once the track began to rubber in, the session came alive with a mix of hard, medium, and soft tyre runs that shaped the leaderboard dramatically.
Early Laps and Tyre Strategies
Most drivers started cautiously on the hard compound tyres, saving the quicker softs for later. Yuki Tsunoda briefly held the top spot with a tidy lap on hards, while others, including Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, struggled with the tricky first chicane and tailwinds on the long straights. The stage was being set for a big shift once the softs came into play.
Verstappen Strikes First with Softs
At the 20-minute mark, Max Verstappen turned up the pace. On soft tyres, he delivered a 1m 20.040s, which comfortably put him ahead of the field. His speed suggested Red Bull were finding their rhythm, though frustration soon followed as he got into an awkward on-track tussle with Esteban Ocon.
Ferrari’s Glimmers of Hope
The loudest cheer of the session came when Charles Leclerc slotted into P2, just 0.014s off Verstappen’s time. Though his Ferrari looked unstable at times—especially when he battled oversteer through Parabolica—Leclerc gave the home fans belief that Ferrari could mount a serious challenge. His teammate Carlos Sainz, however, had a quieter session and ended outside the top 10.
McLaren’s Late Charge
With 15 minutes to go, the McLarens stole the show. Norris bolted to the top with a 1m 19.331s, his lap showcasing both speed and precision. Piastri followed closely, though nearly a quarter of a second slower, leaving Norris with the bragging rights. Suddenly, the McLaren camp looked like the team to beat heading into Qualifying.
Norris Edges Piastri
The intra-team battle at McLaren is one of the hottest storylines of the season. Norris trails Piastri by 34 points in the championship, making every edge crucial. FP3 was Norris’s moment, stamping authority ahead of his teammate. But Piastri wasn’t far behind, closing the gap on his second attempt to just 0.165s.
Leclerc’s Close Call at Lesmo 2
Leclerc nearly threw away his momentum with a hairy moment at Lesmo 2, dipping a tyre into the gravel on exit. Yet, in true Ferrari style, he bounced back. His final flying lap was just 0.021s shy of Norris’s benchmark—proof of both his resilience and Ferrari’s pace potential at home.
Hamilton’s Struggles and Penalty
Lewis Hamilton’s FP3 was far from smooth. The seven-time world champion ran wide at Turn 1, complained about a lack of speed, and could only manage P6. To make matters worse, he carries a five-place grid penalty into Qualifying, meaning even a strong performance later won’t fully rescue his Sunday prospects.
Surprises in the Midfield
The midfield battle was fierce. Gabriel Bortoleto stunned many by finishing sixth, ahead of Hamilton and promising rookie Isack Hadjar. Kimi Antonelli also impressed in his Mercedes outing, while Alex Albon slipped into the top 10 with another strong Williams performance.
Rookie Performances at Monza
Monza often acts as a proving ground for young drivers, and FP3 reinforced that. Ollie Bearman, Antonelli, and Bortoleto all got valuable track time, showing flashes of pace despite small errors. Their names may not dominate the headlines, but their performances are shaping the future of Formula 1.
Red Bull’s Frustrations
While Verstappen’s early lap suggested dominance, Red Bull’s session was far from perfect. Verstappen was annoyed at traffic and couldn’t quite respond to Norris’s final time. Sergio Perez, meanwhile, was largely invisible, struggling to feature at the sharp end of the timesheets.
The Battle for Qualifying Momentum
FP3 doesn’t decide anything, but it often sets the tone. McLaren appear to have the upper hand, Ferrari have the crowd behind them, and Red Bull remain lurking in the background. With less than two-tenths covering Norris, Leclerc, Piastri, Verstappen, and Russell, Qualifying is shaping up to be a thriller.
What FP3 Tells Us About Race Pace
Beyond the one-lap fireworks, FP3 hinted at strong long-run pace for both McLaren and Ferrari. Red Bull, though not dominant, remain consistent over stints. Mercedes looked slightly off the pace, raising concerns for Hamilton and Russell heading into Sunday.
Final Thoughts Before Qualifying
FP3 ended with Norris on top, but the real story is how tight the fight at the front has become. McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull all look capable of pole. For the fans, it’s a dream scenario: uncertainty, drama, and the roar of engines at Monza. As Qualifying looms, the only guarantee is that the Temple of Speed will deliver fireworks.
FAQs
1. Who was fastest in FP3 at Monza?
Lando Norris topped the session with a time of 1m 19.331s.
2. How close was Charles Leclerc to Norris?
Leclerc was just 0.021s slower, splitting the two McLarens.
3. Did Max Verstappen show good pace in FP3?
Yes, Verstappen initially led on soft tyres but ended up behind Norris, Leclerc, and Piastri.
4. How did Lewis Hamilton perform?
Hamilton managed only sixth and complained of lacking speed, plus he has a five-place grid penalty.
5. Which rookies stood out in FP3?
Gabriel Bortoleto impressed with P6, while Antonelli and Hadjar also showed promise.
