George Russell doubles down on Italian GP stance despite practice advantage

George Russell has reiterated that Ferrari remain the favourites for victory at the Italian Grand Prix, despite topping FP2 at Monza.

Russell edged Charles Leclerc in second practice, hours after Ferrari led FP1. Having called Ferrari the team to beat ahead of the weekend, he says his view has not changed.

Why it matters:

Mercedes have shown encouraging pace, but Russell’s warning shows how tight the front of the field is. With McLaren and Red Bull also in the mix, Saturday’s qualifying could shape the Italian GP.

The details:

• Russell beat Leclerc in FP2; Ferrari topped FP1.
• Ferrari arrived at Monza with an engine upgrade.
• Russell: “Ferrari looked very competitive and they still look to be the ones to beat... We can't count out Red Bull either. It's an encouraging opening but it's early days. Let's see what Saturday brings.”
• Team-mate Kimi Antonelli will take a grid penalty for a new power unit.
• Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin said the team will review wing-level data overnight before deciding.

What's next:

Qualifying will give a clearer picture. Shovlin noted performance is tight among the leading teams, and the wing-level call could prove crucial around Monza’s low-downforce layout.