Leclerc clocked 1 minute 23.008 seconds on his fastest lap, finishing 0.173 seconds ahead of Hamilton, giving Ferrari a commanding start to its home weekend at Monza.

Ferrari, which has not won at Monza since 2024, arrived at the Italian Grand Prix with an engine upgrade and appeared to be the leading contender after a strong showing in the opening practice session.

Mercedes driver George Russell, who is second in the championship standings and level on points with Hamilton, recorded the third-fastest time, 0.304 seconds behind Leclerc.

Liam Lawson, driving for Red Bull as a replacement for the injured Frenchman Isack Hadjar, finished fourth, 0.425 seconds behind Leclerc’s pace.

Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, finished in the top five.

Antonelli is set to start the Italian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after an engine change. He is the first Italian driver in 73 years to enter the Italian Grand Prix as the championship leader.