Italian GP: Norris Pips Leclerc in Tightly Contested Monza FP3
Summary
Lando Norris topped a thrilling Italian GP FP3 at Monza, narrowly beating Charles Leclerc. The entire field was separated by less than a second.
Lando Norris set the fastest lap in a tightly contested FP3 session at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, narrowly beating Charles Leclerc. The entire field was separated by less than a second, indicating a thrilling qualifying session ahead. McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri secured third, just ahead of Max Verstappen and George Russell.
Why it matters:
The close times in FP3 highlight the intense competition expected for qualifying at Monza, a circuit known for slipstreaming and high speeds. With the top teams showing strong pace and minimal gaps, pole position will be fiercely contested, setting the stage for Sunday's race.
The details:
- Early pace: Drivers quickly took to the track under clear blue skies. Yuki Tsunoda initially set the benchmark, but Max Verstappen soon took the lead with a 1:20.040 on soft tyres, later improving to 1:19.688.
- Incidents & Challenges: Several drivers, including Isack Hadjar and Oliver Bearman, went off track. Charles Leclerc had a moment at Parabolica but recovered. Kimi Antonelli reported "derates."
- Verstappen vs. Ocon: Verstappen vented frustration after an incident with Esteban Ocon, exclaiming, "He's such a ****."
- Final runs: In the closing 20 minutes, more drivers switched to soft tyres. Lando Norris surged to the top with a 1:19.331, followed by Oscar Piastri, creating a temporary McLaren 1-2.
- Leclerc's rebound: Leclerc, after a mistake at the second Lesmo, delivered a strong final lap to finish just 0.021 seconds behind Norris.
FP3 Results:
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- Lando Norris McLaren 1:19.331
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- Charles Leclerc Ferrari +0.021
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- Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.165
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- Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.167
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- George Russell Mercedes +0.184
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- Gabriel Bortoleto Kick Sauber +0.227
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- Lewis Hamilton Ferrari +0.267
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- Isack Hadjar Racing Bulls +0.272
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- Kimi Antonelli Mercedes +0.365
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- Alexander Albon Williams +0.389
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- Nico Hulkenberg Kick Sauber +0.406
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- Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.530
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- Carlos Sainz Williams +0.576
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- Franco Colapinto Alpine +0.703
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- Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull Racing +0.728
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- Liam Lawson Racing Bulls +0.801
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- Oliver Bearman Haas F1 Team +0.878
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- Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.916
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- Lance Stroll Aston Martin +0.916
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- Esteban Ocon Haas F1 Team +0.973
Original Article :https://www.planetf1.com/news/italian-grand-prix-2025-fp3-report