Russell tops Monza practice as Antonelli faces back-of-grid penalty
George Russell set the fastest lap in Italian Grand Prix practice, while teammate Kimi Antonelli will start from the back after a grid penalty.
In the lead-up to the Monza race, Russell recorded the quickest time, edging out Ferrari's Charles Leclerc by 0.120 seconds. Antonelli, his Mercedes teammate, received a penalty for exceeding engine part limits and will line up at the rear of the grid. Lando Norris, fresh from recent wins, finished just behind Russell, and Lewis Hamilton, equipped with an engine upgrade, remains 59 points behind Antonelli in the standings. Max Verstappen struggled with handling, qualifying ninth.
How this was covered
- The two sides describe this in almost entirely different words
- Right-leaning coverage is the most divided on this story
Why it matters
The grid penalty could reshape the championship battle by forcing a title contender to start from the rear of the field at a key race.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 Kimi Antonelli vows aggressive comeback after starting last at Monza
- Sep 4 Russell topped the final practice session.
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