Russell tops Hamilton at Monza ahead of qualifying

Italian GP: George Russell tops Lewis Hamilton in final practice as Mercedes appear to establish edge over Ferrari George Russell tops Lewis Hamilton in final practice at Monza; Mercedes appear to have edge over Ferrari going into qualifying; watch Italian Grand Prix Qualifying later on Saturday at 3pm, with build-up from 2.15pm, live on Sky Sports F1 and Main Event Saturday 5 September 2026 12:53, UK George Russell established himself as pole position favourite ahead of Italian Grand Prix qualifying as the Mercedes driver topped Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton in final practice. Mercedes and Ferrari had appeared closely matched in Friday's two practice sessions, and once more led the way on Saturday as Russell's time of 1:22.219s put him just over two tenths of a second clear of Hamilton at Monza. Russell is shouldering Mercedes' hopes of claiming pole, with his team-mate Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, serving penalties for taking new engine parts that will leave him starting from the back of the grid regardless of where he qualifies. - Italian GP: Schedule and how to watch on Sky Sports - F1 2026 standings | F1 2026 calendar | F1 Gossip Column - Download the Sky Sports app for expert analysis, best video & more📱 - Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream F1 with no contract 📺 Despite being more focused on his long-run setup for Sunday's race, Antonelli, who leads both Russell and Hamilton by 59 points at the top of the standings, was fourth behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen. McLaren's Lando Norris, who has closed to within 83 points of Antonelli by winning the last two races, was fifth ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Mercedes tried out using Antonelli to give Russell a highly-beneficial tow around the high-speed circuit, but the Brit's fastest laps came without the help of his team-mate. There was drama in the closing moments of the session as Hamilton and Verstappen almost collided at the first corner after a squabble for track position ahead of what should have been their final attempts at flying laps. Hamilton snuck ahead of Verstappen as they approached the final corner, which angered the Dutchman, prompting him to attempt to race the Ferrari over the start-finish line and then dive up the inside into the first corner. Hamilton bailed out to prevent contact, avoiding a repeat of the pair's famous collision at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix when they were battling for the drivers' title. The stewards noted the incident but decided an investigation wasn't necessary. More to follow... Sky Sports F1's Italian GP live schedule Saturday September 5 1.10pm: F2 Sprint 2.15pm: Italian Grand Prix Qualifying build-up 3pm: ITALIAN GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING* 5pm: Ted's Qualifying Notebook Sunday September 6 7.10am: F3 Feature Race 8.40am: F2 Feature Race 10.40am: Porsche Supercup Race 12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Italian GP build-up 2pm: THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX 4pm: Chequered Flag: Italian GP reaction 5pm: Ted's Notebook *also on Sky Sports Main Event Formula 1 is at Monza for Ferrari's home race at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime [Image text:] CROWDSTRIK PETRONAS CROWPSTHIE