George Russell established himself as pole position favourite ahead of Italian Grand Prix qualifying as the Mercedes driver topped Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton in final practice.
Mercedes and Ferrari had appeared closely matched in Friday’s two practice sessions, and once more led the way on Saturday as Russell’s time of 1:22.219s put him just over two tenths of a second clear of Hamilton at Monza.
Russell is shouldering Mercedes’ hopes of claiming pole, with his team-mate Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, serving penalties for taking new engine parts that will leave him starting from the back of the grid regardless of where he qualifies.
Despite being more focused on his long-run setup for Sunday’s race, Antonelli, who leads both Russell and Hamilton by 59 points at the top of the standings, was fourth behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
McLaren’s Lando Norris, who has closed to within 83 points of Antonelli by winning the last two races, was fifth ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Mercedes tried out using Antonelli to give Russell a highly-beneficial tow around the high-speed circuit, but the Brit’s fastest laps came without the help of his team-mate.
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Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton braces for a tight Italian GP qualifying as Mercedes continue to find more pace
Ferrari appear to have reduced their straight-line speed deficit to Mercedes after bringing to Monza their second engine upgrade of the season, but it appears the Italian squad will need to find something extra to claim what would be an extremely popular pole at their home race.
There was drama in the closing moments of the session as Hamilton and Verstappen almost collided at the first corner after a squabble for track position ahead of what should have been their final attempts at flying laps.
Hamilton snuck ahead of Verstappen as they approached the final corner, which angered the Dutchman, prompting him to attempt to race the Ferrari over the start-finish line and then dive up the inside into the first corner.
Hamilton bailed out to prevent contact, avoiding a repeat of the pair’s famous collision at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix when they were battling for the drivers’ title. The stewards noted the incident but decided an investigation wasn’t necessary.
George Russell topped final practice at Monza
Russell has endured a difficult season having started the year of favourite before being outperformed by his far less experience team-mate.
However, the 28-year-old appears to have found a groove at Monza, with pole position having the potential to reignite his championship challenge.
Sky Sports F1’s Naomi Schiff said: “George will be very pleased with himself. This is such a psychological sport and with a team-mate leading the championship he does need to switch that momentum.
“This session has been the most positive for Mercedes. They aren’t losing much anywhere on deployment through the lap.”
Sky Sports F1’s Italian GP live schedule
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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place at the Italian Grand Prix
Saturday September 5
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: Italian Grand Prix Qualifying build-up
3pm: ITALIAN GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
5pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday September 6
7.10am: F3 Feature Race
8.40am: F2 Feature Race
10.40am: Porsche Supercup Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Italian GP build-up
2pm: THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Italian GP reaction
5pm: Ted’s Notebook
*also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 is at Monza for Ferrari’s home race at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime