Leclerc on top as Ferrari take 1-2 in Monza opening practice

Ferrari demonstrated their upgraded engines' prowess at the historic Monza circuit during the opening practice session on Friday. Charles Leclerc claimed the top spot, followed closely by his teammate Lewis Hamilton, marking a 1-2 finish for the Italian team. Leclerc's fastest lap of 1:23.008 seconds secured him a 0.173-second advantage over Hamilton, who trailed by three-tenths of a second in third place.

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli rounded out the top five for Mercedes, while McLaren's world champion Lando Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri secured fourth and fifth positions, respectively. Despite the strong performance, Hamilton and Russell face a 59-point deficit to the 20-year-old Italian in the championship race. The session also saw the results of the International Court of Appeal's decision on the Monaco Grand Prix, with McLaren and Red Bull overturning the outcome, leading to Gasly's reinstatement and a reshuffled podium.