Italian Grand Prix 2025: pre-qualifying

Quick reminder that Hamilton has a 5 place grid penalty from speeding under yellows in Zandvoort, which is a shame.



First practice had a Ferrari 1-2, with Hamilton a tenth and a half up on Leclerc. Sainz was third but half a second off the ultimate pace, and narrowly ahead of Verstappen. Antonelli was three-tenths further back, slightly ahead of Norris, with Albon, Russell, Alonso, and Hadjar completing the top 10. Piastri didn’t drive, his seat was occupied by Alexander Dunne.

Second practice was back to business as usual, with Norris top, less than a tenth ahead of Leclerc. Sainz was a hundredth further back, making him top 3 in both sessions at this point. Piastri was a tenth off the Spaniard, and a hundredth ahead of Hamilton. In turn, Verstappen was seven-thousandths behind Hamilton, with Albon, Hulkenberg, Tsunoda and Russell filling out the upper half of the time sheet.



Due to the timing of my Saturday I’m not going to be able to watch FP3 then bet, or not, but I was pretty tempted by the idea of backing Leclerc in qualifying. The problem is his odds are 6 on Betfair and 5.5 (not each way) on Ladbrokes and that still feels a bit on the tight side. Free bet territory perhaps, but if the McLarens hook things up I still expect them to get pole.

So, as is often the case on Saturdays, no bet.



Morris Dancer

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