Lando Norris set the fastest time in the second free practice session for the Italian Grand Prix in Monza on Friday, September 5, 2025, clocking 1m19.878, edging out Charles Leclerc by just 0.083 seconds. The McLaren driver led the session, while Carlos Sainz, now with Williams, completed the top three. Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto, racing for Sauber, finished 12th after a solid performance marred by a minor off at Turn 7. The session was interrupted by a red flag caused by Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who got stuck in the gravel. The battle between McLaren and Ferrari set an intense tone for the weekend, with teams fine-tuning for qualifying. The session highlighted the competitiveness of the 2025 season, with McLaren aiming to assert dominance against Ferrari on their home turf.
The session started with high action as all drivers hit the track early to gather data. A yellow flag, triggered by Antonelli’s incident, briefly disrupted the pace, but the cleanup was swift, allowing the session to resume. Norris, who led before the stoppage, maintained his edge, while Bortoleto faced a setback with his off-track moment.
- Key FP2 highlights:
- Lando Norris led with 1m19.878, followed by Leclerc and Sainz.
- Red flag caused by Andrea Kimi Antonelli, stuck in the gravel.
- Gabriel Bortoleto went off at Turn 7 but secured 12th place.
Performance at Monza
The Monza free practice session showcased a fiercely competitive field, with McLaren demonstrating strength against Ferrari, who face pressure from their home fans. Norris, using soft tires, set his fastest lap in the second half of the session, narrowly beating Leclerc. The Monegasque pushed hard but fell short, keeping Ferrari in second. Carlos Sainz, now at Williams, impressed by securing third, showing consistency on a track where speed is paramount.
Bortoleto, in his debut F1 season, had notable moments. After going off at Turn 7 and hitting the kerb, the Brazilian returned to the pits for checks. His team confirmed no major damage, allowing him to rejoin and post the 12th-fastest time. Despite not matching his 11th place from FP1, the Sauber driver showed progress on the challenging Monza circuit.
The switch to soft tires in the second half was pivotal. All drivers adopted the strategy, aiming for quick laps to simulate qualifying conditions. Norris capitalized best, while Verstappen struggled, finishing outside the top three. Red Bull, with a subdued performance, focused on setup tweaks for better pace.
FP2 CLASSIFICATION
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 5, 2025
Sainz P3, Albon P7 👏👏#F1 #ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/okELIZod7g
Incidents and Interruptions
The session saw moments of drama. A red flag, triggered by Antonelli’s gravel trap incident, halted proceedings early on. The young Italian, standing in for George Russell in FP1, struggled on a flying lap, prompting the stoppage for debris clearance. The quick cleanup ensured minimal time loss.
Bortoleto’s off at Turn 7 was another notable moment. The Brazilian briefly lost control but avoided significant damage, allowing a swift return. These incidents underscored Monza’s challenges, where precision is critical due to high speeds and tight corners.
- Key FP2 incidents:
- Red flag due to Antonelli’s error, leaving him stuck in the gravel.
- Bortoleto’s Turn 7 off, with a light hit on the kerb.
- Charles Leclerc also went into the gravel but escaped unscathed.
McLaren vs. Ferrari Rivalry
The McLaren-Ferrari duel stole the spotlight in FP2. Norris, riding a wave of strong 2025 performances, delivered a near-perfect lap, while Leclerc trailed by just 0.083 seconds. Ferrari, buoyed by their home crowd, aims to reclaim glory at Monza, where Leclerc won in 2024. However, McLaren’s pace suggests they hold the edge, particularly in qualifying trim.
Sainz, formerly of Ferrari and now with Williams, stayed competitive, outpacing drivers like Verstappen. Williams’ car suited Monza’s long straights and low-drag demands. Red Bull, meanwhile, struggled, with Verstappen’s times indicating setup changes are needed for qualifying.
The session’s final phase focused on race simulations, with drivers testing tire wear and long-run pace. Ferrari showed consistency, but McLaren led the splits, cementing their status as favorites for pole.
Gabriel Bortoleto’s Performance
Gabriel Bortoleto, in his rookie F1 season, continues to turn heads. After an 11th-place finish in FP1, he faced challenges in FP2 but held onto 12th. His Turn 7 off highlighted the difficulty of adapting to Monza’s technical layout. Still, Bortoleto improved throughout, posting his best lap on soft tires.
Sauber, Bortoleto’s team, is working to optimize the car’s setup. Teammate Nico Hülkenberg finished eighth, hinting at the team’s potential to fight for points. Bortoleto’s performance, though not as strong as in FP1, keeps him as a promising figure for Brazilian F1 fans.
- Bortoleto’s FP2 moments:
- Off at Turn 7, requiring a pit stop for checks.
- Best lap on soft tires, securing 12th place.
- Consistent with FP1’s 11th-place result.
Qualifying Preparations
With FP2 concluded, teams now gear up for qualifying on Saturday, September 6, at 12 PM (Brasília time). McLaren enters as the favorite, with Norris eyeing pole. Ferrari, backed by the tifosi, is set to fight back, with Leclerc as their main hope after his 2024 Monza win. Bortoleto and Sauber aim for Q3, a feat the Brazilian achieved earlier in the season. Red Bull, after a lackluster FP2, will likely introduce tweaks to close the gap. Monza’s unique layout promises a tight qualifying, with 16 drivers within a second of each other in FP2.
- Qualifying expectations:
- McLaren favored, with Norris targeting pole.
- Ferrari under pressure to deliver at home.
- Sauber aiming for top 10 with Bortoleto.
- Red Bull seeking setup improvements.
Italian GP Highlights
The Italian Grand Prix, the 16th round of the 2025 season, is one of F1’s most iconic races. Monza, dubbed the “Temple of Speed,” has hosted the series since 1950, except for 1980. Ferrari leads with 20 wins, followed by McLaren with 11.
The 2025 edition marks Lewis Hamilton’s debut as a Ferrari driver at Monza, heightening fan expectations. The seven-time champion, who topped FP1, seeks his first Monza win with the team. The presence of young talents like Bortoleto and Antonelli underscores the rise of F1’s new generation in 2025.
- Monza facts:
- Ferrari’s last win came in 2024 with Leclerc.
- Monza is the fastest track on the calendar, averaging 250 km/h.
- Hamilton races at Monza as a Ferrari driver for the first time.
