Italian GP practice: Ferrari engine upgrade impresses, Red Bull and Honda struggle
Summary
Ferrari's engine upgrade impressed at Monza, with Leclerc second in FP2. Russell topped the session, while Red Bull and Honda struggled. Bearman shone for Haas, but Ocon lacked the new engine.
Ferrari's engine upgrade impressed at Monza, with Leclerc second in FP2. Russell set the pace, while Red Bull and Honda struggled. Bearman boosted Haas.
Why it matters:
Monza is the ultimate power circuit, making it a critical test for engine upgrades. With Ferrari holding outside title hopes and Mercedes closing in, Friday's form could shape the season.
The details:
- Ferrari's new engine (2nd & 5th): Leclerc was 0.120s off Russell on softs. Early signs are encouraging.
- George Russell (1st): Topped FP2, overturning a three-tenth gap from FP1. Monza suits Mercedes, and Antonelli's penalty helps.
- Ollie Bearman (8th): Haas's biggest upgrade of 2026, with new bodywork and Ferrari engine, gave him his best Friday since March.
- Red Bull (9th & 12th): Verstappen and Lawson suffered from downforce, grip, brake and axle issues.
- Honda's latest engine (19th & 22nd): Alonso and Stroll were over a second off the next-slowest car, exposing the power unit's limits.
- Esteban Ocon (18th): Has the new bodywork but not the new engine, ending FP2 a second behind Bearman.
What's next:
Qualifying will provide a clearer picture. Ferrari will hope the engine upgrade holds up, while Mercedes and Russell look to capitalise on Antonelli's penalty.
Original Article :https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/winners-losers-f1-2026-italian-gp-practice/