In the third practice session for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, the historic Monza circuit once again proved a playground for speed. According to Formula1.com, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton topped the timesheets, each clocking a lap in the 1:20s. Leclerc’s best time of 1:20.456 was a fraction of a second ahead of Hamilton’s 1:20.512, showcasing the fierce rivalry that has defined the season so far.
Behind the leaders, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris were not far behind, posting 1:20.789 and 1:20.912 respectively. The session highlighted the continued dominance of the front‑row teams, with all four fastest drivers comfortably ahead of the midfield. Motorsport Week noted that the track conditions were dry and the temperature hovering around 28°C, which helped teams extract maximum grip from the new 2026 aerodynamic package.
For Indian fans, the FP3 results are a good indicator of the race pace that can be expected at Monza. The session’s timings suggest that the top teams will battle for the lead from the start, making the race a thrilling spectacle. If you’re planning to watch the race live, FanCode India will stream the event from 3:00 PM IST, with commentary in Hindi and English. The Italian Grand Prix is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM IST, so you’ll want to tune in early to catch the full action.
While FP3 provides a snapshot of the teams’ performance, it also offers insights into tyre strategy and setup choices. Ferrari’s choice of a softer compound for the session hinted at their intent to push hard in the early stages, whereas Mercedes opted for a medium compound, prioritising consistency. These decisions will likely play a pivotal role in the race’s outcome, especially given Monza’s high-speed nature.
Source: Formula1.com & Motorsport Week
