Samwise F1 Newsletter
Saturday, September 5, 2026
Ferrari Seal FP1 One-Two at Monza as Team Debuts ADUO Engine Upgrade
Charles Leclerc led Lewis Hamilton to a Ferrari one-two in Italian Grand Prix first practice at Monza, as the Scuderia debuted its first ADUO power unit upgrade at their home circuit. Leclerc clocked a 1:23.008s to lead Hamilton by 0.173 seconds, with Mercedes’ George Russell a further tenth back in third. Ferrari introduced the upgraded SF-26 engine featuring a revised combustion chamber and turbocharger, with a forecasted 15-horsepower performance gain from the new unit. The session confirmed the team’s pre-weekend hopes that Monza’s power-sensitive layout would suit the upgraded package.
Sources: Sky Sports F1
Russell Tops Italian GP FP2 as Mercedes Edges Ferrari in Monza Pace Battle
George Russell claimed the top spot in Italian Grand Prix second practice at Monza, edging out Charles Leclerc to deny Ferrari the fastest time across Friday’s sessions. Russell set a 1:22.559s, 0.120 seconds clear of Leclerc, with championship-leading Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli—who faces a 30-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race—third in the results. Mercedes’ response in FP2 comes after Ferrari’s impressive one-two in the opening session, suggesting a close battle between the two teams in Saturday qualifying. The contest takes place in sweltering temperatures, with the FIA declaring a heat hazard for the Monza weekend.
Sources: Sky Sports F1
FIA Confirms Antonelli 30-Place Grid Penalty for Full Power Unit Change at Monza
The FIA has confirmed championship leader Kimi Antonelli will receive a 30-place grid penalty for Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix, effectively starting from the back of the grid at his home race. Antonelli exceeded component limits by taking a fifth internal combustion engine, fourth control electronics unit, and fourth energy store—each additional part carrying a 10-place penalty. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confirmed the strategic decision to absorb the penalty at Monza, citing the circuit’s four DRS overtaking zones as providing the best opportunity to recover. Antonelli enters the Italian GP weekend leading the championship by 59 points.
Hamilton Eyes Dream Ferrari Pole Position Ahead of Italian GP Qualifying at Monza
Lewis Hamilton is targeting pole position for Ferrari at Saturday’s Italian Grand Prix qualifying at Monza, calling it a personal dream. The British driver, currently third in the drivers’ championship, predicted a tight contest between Ferrari and Mercedes at the circuit where his team debuted an upgraded ADUO power unit on Friday. Hamilton finished second to teammate Charles Leclerc in FP1 before posting third fastest in FP2, and was encouraged by the car’s pace through practice. Ferrari and Mercedes each showed competitive pace across both Friday sessions, setting up what Hamilton described as a “very close” qualifying battle.
Sources: Sky Sports F1
Hadjar Ruled Out of Italian GP with Wrist Injury as Lawson Returns to Red Bull
Isack Hadjar will miss a second consecutive grand prix after Red Bull confirmed the 21-year-old remains sidelined with a wrist injury sustained during Formula 1’s summer break. Hadjar injured his wrist in a boxing workout and was unable to prove his fitness ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Liam Lawson returns to Red Bull for the Monza weekend, while Yuki Tsunoda slots back into the Racing Bulls seat. Red Bull had been hopeful Hadjar would return at Monza, but stated they did not want the driver to take undue risk as he continues his recovery from the injury.
Sources: Motorsport.com
Hamilton Ferrari Contract Extension Expected to Be Announced at Italian GP Weekend
A Lewis Hamilton contract extension with Ferrari is expected to be announced during Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza, according to reports. Hamilton’s existing agreement with the Scuderia covers the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with a 2027 option already confirmed by the driver himself at the Canadian Grand Prix. Hamilton is also understood to hold a unilateral option for 2028. The anticipated announcement arrives on the back of a strong 2026 season for the 41-year-old, who claimed his first Ferrari victory at the Spanish Grand Prix and added further podiums in China, Canada, Monaco, and Britain.
Verstappen Complains of Balance and Braking Problems as Red Bull Admits Car Issue at Monza
Max Verstappen aired a string of complaints about his Red Bull during Italian Grand Prix second practice at Monza, reporting problems with his brakes, rear downforce, and a car that was bouncing on the front axle. Red Bull technical director Pierre Wache acknowledged the issues, saying the team “clearly” had a balance problem to solve. Wache noted that Verstappen’s absence from the opening practice session—during which Ayumu Iwasa drove the RB22 under the mandatory rookie participation rule—left the team with less setup data than usual. Red Bull faces further work ahead of Saturday qualifying to address the car’s balance.
Sources: Motorsport.com
Penalised Antonelli to Act as Qualifying Slipstream Partner for Mercedes Teammate Russell at Monza
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli will use Saturday’s Italian Grand Prix qualifying session at Monza to help Mercedes teammate George Russell rather than chase his own fastest lap. With a 30-place grid penalty already confirmed and Sunday’s starting position irrelevant to his qualifying result, Antonelli will act as a slipstream partner on Monza’s long straights—a key tactic at a circuit where straight-line tow is critical for lap time. Russell, currently second in the drivers’ championship, will benefit from Antonelli’s help in setting a faster lap in the high-speed qualifying battle against Ferrari.
Sources: Sky Sports F1
Drivers' Championship
| Pos | Driver | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | K. Antonelli | 242 |
| 2 | G. Russell | 183 |
| 3 | L. Hamilton | 183 |
| 4 | L. Norris | 159 |
| 5 | C. Leclerc | 155 |
| 6 | M. Verstappen | 112 |
| 7 | O. Piastri | 104 |
| 8 | I. Hadjar | 68 |
| 9 | L. Lawson | 49 |
| 10 | P. Gasly | 44 |
| 11 | F. Colapinto | 19 |
| 12 | O. Bearman | 18 |
| 13 | G. Bortoleto | 10 |
| 14 | C. Sainz | 6 |
| 15 | N. Hülkenberg | 6 |
| 16 | A. Albon | 5 |
| 17 | F. Alonso | 3 |
| 18 | E. Ocon | 3 |
| 19 | Y. Tsunoda | 0 |
| 20 | L. Stroll | 0 |
| 21 | S. Pérez | 0 |
| 22 | V. Bottas | 0 |
Constructors' Championship
| Pos | Constructor | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercedes | 425 |
| 2 | Ferrari | 338 |
| 3 | McLaren | 263 |
| 4 | Red Bull | 186 |
| 5 | Alpine | 63 |
| 6 | Racing Bulls | 49 |
| 7 | Haas | 21 |
| 8 | Audi | 16 |
| 9 | Williams | 11 |
| 10 | Aston Martin | 3 |
| 11 | Cadillac | 0 |
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