The Italian Grand Prix weekend began under clear skies at Monza, with big Tifosi crowds in the grandstands. Nico Hulkenberg led the cars out, joined by McLaren reserve Alex Dunne, standing in for Oscar Piastri. Lewis Hamilton, driving for Ferrari at their home race, set the early pace with a 1:22.235 ahead of Max Verstappen and Alex Albon. Gabriel Bortoleto ran wide at the chicane, while Lance Stroll reported problems with his helmet.

Albon moved to the top with a 1:21.073 before Verstappen went faster by three tenths. Traffic soon caused issues, Pierre Gasly unhappy with Carlos Sainz after nearly being blocked. Paul Aron had a spin at Turn 4, and Isack Hadjar was noted for rejoining in the wrong way. At the halfway point Verstappen led, ahead of Sainz, Leclerc, Albon, Hadjar and Alonso.

Later, McLaren switched to soft tyres but Lando Norris had to abandon laps after mistakes at the chicane. Soon after, Antonelli and Hadjar brought gravel onto the track, causing a red flag. When running resumed, Charles Leclerc set the fastest time with a 1:20.286. In the final minutes Hamilton went quicker, putting Ferrari first and second in front of their home fans.

Sainz finished third for Williams, Verstappen fourth, with Antonelli, Norris, Albon, Russell, Alonso and Hadjar making up the rest of the top ten. The session ended under a Virtual Safety Car after George Russell’s Mercedes lost power and stopped on track.