George Russell hits back for Mercedes in Monza practice

George Russell intensified his challenge against Ferrari during the second practice session for the Italian Grand Prix at the high-speed Monza circuit. The Mercedes driver topped the standings, completing a lap of 1:22.559, a tenth of a second faster than Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Russell, who currently trails championship leader Kimi Antolin by 59 points, served a notice of intent ahead of Sunday's race, emphasizing the urgency to narrow the gap.

Leclerc, in second place, posted a best time of 1:23.008, slightly quicker than his Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton's 1:23.181 in the first practice session. Seven-time world champion Hamilton secured fifth position in the second session. Racing for McLaren, reigning world champion Lando Norris was fourth, while Australian teammate Oscar Piastri finished sixth.

Norris, who has won the last two races, aims to secure a hat-trick on Sunday. Alpine's Pierre Gasly, stripped of his Monaco Grand Prix third-place finish, dropped to seventh following the reinstatement of Isack Hadjar's original position.