F1 LIVE: Follow FP1 at the Italian Grand Prix here!
Formula 1 returns to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix, featuring four rookie drivers in the opening practice session. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli faces a challenging weekend after a power unit change forces him to start at the back of the grid.
Why it matters
The Italian GP is a pivotal event in the 2026 season, highlighting the intense competition between Mercedes and Ferrari at a historic racing venue.
Formula 1 returns for Round 13 of the 2026 season as the Italian GP takes centre stage. Follow GPblog's live coverage of the opening practice session from Monza right here.
Four rookies will be getting a run out in this session - Colton Herta for Cadillac, Ayumu Iwasa for Red Bull, Paul Aron for Alpine and Luke Browning for Williams.
59 points ahead of Mercedes teammate George Russell and Ferrari 's Lewis Hamilton in the Drivers' standings, Kimi Antonelli has his work cut out for him at his home race this weekend. The 20-year-old will start at the back of the grid after Mercedes opted to take a power unit change, subsequently going over Antonelli's allocated components.
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