Italy – EL1: Hamilton leads the pack before qualifying

Sprint format requires, this free practice session served as training before qualifying scheduled for this Friday evening. With only 60 minutes of driving time available before fighting for pole in the Qualifying Race, the drivers did not hesitate to take to the track early in the afternoon in order to work as much as possible on their cars.

Very lively with most of the grid having more than 20 laps under their belt, these EL1 saw Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) stand out from the crowd. Active on the asphalt of Monza, the Briton put everyone in agreement less than a quarter of an hour from the end with a 1'20"926 relegating his closest pursuer and main rival, Max Verstappen (Red Bull), almost half a second. Announced at Alfa Romeo this week from next season, Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) tried as best he could to hang on to his teammate but he was more than 5 tenths behind at the end of the hour of driving.

Behind it, nothing seems to have been decided yet. Only a stone's throw from qualifying, everything still seems undecided since only four tenths separate Lance stroll (Aston Martin), 4th, and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), 11th. Between the two men, we find pilots like Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri), Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), Fernando Alonso (Alpine) Or Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren).

Only 14th of these free practices, Esteban Ocon (Alpine) can be optimistic with a view to qualifying. So in a fast and improving lap which allowed him to return to the Top 10, the Norman was hampered by Lewis Hamilton thus cutting off his effort. Enough to foresee a better result at the end of the day.

At the back of the peloton, things are not moving. THE Haas de Mick Schumacher et Nikita mazepin bring up the rear and see before them only the Williams de Nicholas latifi.

The teams now have 2 hours of preparation before qualifying for the Qualifying Race on Saturday. See you at 30:18 p.m. on AUTOhebdo!