Hamilton leads Mercedes one-two in final Italian GP practice

The seven-time world champion, who was fastest in Friday’s second practice and could take a record sixth win at Monza on Sunday, set a time of one minute 20.117 seconds with Russell 0.093 slower.

Published : Aug 31, 2024 18:18 IST - 1 MIN READ

Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain. | Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Lewis Hamilton lapped fastest in final free practice for the Italian Grand Prix on Saturday, with teammate George Russell making it a Mercedes one-two at the top of the timesheets.

The seven-time world champion, who was fastest in Friday’s second practice and could take a record sixth win at Monza on Sunday, set a time of one minute 20.117 seconds with Russell 0.093 slower.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was third and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri fourth.

Red Bull’s championship leader Max Verstappen complained of a lack of front grip and lapped only sixth fastest, with his closest rival Lando Norris fifth for McLaren.

Norris, winner in the Netherlands last weekend, is 70 points behind Verstappen with nine races remaining.

Carlos Sainz, on pole at Monza last year, was seventh and the Williams pair of Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto were eighth and ninth with Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg completing the top 10.