Connor Andrews is Formula 1 and MotoGP writer for GPblog and various outlets. Having worked in motorsport for 15 years for leading companies, he has interviewed the sports biggest names and attended multiple Grands Prix.
Formula 1 is back for one of the grandest events of the season - the Italian Grand Prix. We're live with a team on the ground in Monza to bring you coverage from Free Practice 2.
FP1 ended with the Ferraris on top in a huge boost for the Scuderia in front of their home fans.
Charles Leclerc led from Lewis Hamilton, both on mediums, while Mercedes' George Russell couldn't match them in third.
There was more good news for the home team as well pre-race, as local hero and championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start from the back of the grid.
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Antonelli drops to the back of Italian GP grid
59 points ahead of Mercedes teammate George Russell and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton in the Drivers' standings, Kimi Antonelli has his work cut out for him at his home race this weekend.
The 20-year-old will start at the back of the grid after Mercedes opted to take a power unit change, subsequently going over Antonelli's allocated components.
Antonelli has warned rivals that Mercedes' W17 remains a "very strong car," but can he really cut through the grid to take the win on Sunday? We'll have a clearer picture after Italian GP Free Practice.
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The young Italian appears to enjoy the pressure being off this weekend, signalling that he will even give Russell a tow during Qualifying if asked to do so by Mercedes.
Speaking to GPblog, and others, Antonelli said: "I think in some ways it helps to release pressure. Although I'd very much rather fight for pole and start at the front.
"But in some ways, I feel like it makes me a bit more relaxed going into the weekend. And I think also that's why I'm going to be able to enjoy more the driving and the weekend itself.
"And, of course, as well, it's a different opportunity. It's an opportunity to try something different during the weekend, different work method as well, in free practice especially, because, you know, we have the chance to do so. So, yeah, I think it's going to be a very interesting weekend."
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Italian Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 04.09.26
Practice 1
10:30 AM
Practice 2
02:00 PM
Saturday 05.09.26
Practice 3
10:30 AM
Qualification
02:00 PM
Sunday 06.09.26
Race
01:00 PM
Friday 04.09.26
Practice 1
Fri 10:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 02:00 PM
Saturday 05.09.26
Practice 3
Sat 10:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 02:00 PM
Sunday 06.09.26
Race
Sun 01:00 PM
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F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 242 | |
2 | MercedesMER | 183 | |
3 | FerrariFER | 183 | |
4 | McLarenMCL | 159 | |
5 | FerrariFER | 155 | |
6 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 112 | |
7 | McLarenMCL | 106 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 71 | |
9 | Racing BullsRCB | 51 | |
10 | AlpineALP | 35 |
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