F1 Today: Ferrari Challenges McLaren at Monza; Jos Verstappen Slams Perez's Father

Today's F1 news highlights a fierce battle at Monza and a strong condemnation from Jos Verstappen. The Italian Grand Prix's first two free practice sessions set the stage for a thrilling weekend, while off-track drama intensified with a clash between F1's prominent figures.

The Monza Battle: Ferrari vs McLaren

• Early Dominance: Ferrari thrilled home fans in FP1 with a strong one-two finish.
• McLaren's Comeback: McLaren quickly responded in FP2, with Lando Norris narrowly topping Charles Leclerc by just 0.083 seconds, indicating a tight race.
• Race Pace: Both teams showed similar strong race pace, setting the benchmark for the field.
• Other Performers: Lewis Hamilton topped FP1, and Max Verstappen looked comfortable on long runs in his RB21.
• Antonelli's Setback: Kimi Antonelli had a challenging day, spinning out early in FP2 after a promising FP1, ending his session stuck in the gravel.

Jos Verstappen Slams Perez's Father

• Perez Sr.'s Claims: Sergio Pérez's father, Antonio Pérez Garibay, publicly criticized Red Bull Racing, claiming they denied his son the car he deserved to win the 2024 world championship. He also suggested Pérez was instrumental in Red Bull's and Max's past successes.
• Jos Verstappen's Response: Known for his outspoken nature, Jos Verstappen sharply rebuked these statements, reportedly calling them "idiotic" and strongly disagreeing with the claims that Pérez was deprived of equal material or that he was the sole reason for championships.

Why it matters

The direct competition between Ferrari and McLaren at a high-speed circuit like Monza promises an exciting qualifying and race. Meanwhile, the ongoing public friction involving the Verstappen and Pérez families continues to add a dramatic layer to the paddock narrative, highlighting internal team dynamics and external pressures.