George Russell topped final practice for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, setting a time of 1:22.219s to finish over two tenths clear of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton. The result suggests Mercedes may hold an edge over the Scuderia at their home circuit. Russell is shouldering the team's pole hopes as team-mate Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, serves engine penalties that will force him to start from the back regardless of qualifying position. Despite focusing on race setup, Antonelli was fourth behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen, while McLaren's Lando Norris and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc rounded out the top six.

Mercedes attempted to use Antonelli to give Russell a tow around the high-speed track, but Russell's fastest laps came unaided. Ferrari introduced their second engine upgrade of the season to reduce their straight-line speed deficit, but appear to need more to challenge for pole. Drama erupted late in the session when Hamilton and Verstappen nearly collided at the first corner after a dispute over track position, though stewards declined to investigate.

Russell, who has endured a difficult season outperformed by his less experienced team-mate, appears to have found form at Monza. Sky Sports F1's Naomi Schiff noted the psychological boost a strong qualifying could provide for the 28-year-old's championship aspirations.