Source:REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
[Saba Sports News] During Friday at the Italian Grand Prix, George Russell stopped on track near the end of FP1 due to a hydraulic system failure, but his car was repaired in time for him to return at the start of FP2, ultimately finishing the day’s practice sessions in tenth place. Russell said afterwards: “It was a tough day, to be honest. I think whenever you come to Monza, you put the low downforce kit on and the car becomes a bit floaty, quite loose at the rear. We didn’t perform excellently today. Obviously, the gaps are very small; I’m P10 but only three-tenths off the guy in P1 – normally three-tenths would put you behind the McLarens. It’s tight, and I expect it will be the same tomorrow, but I’m sure we can make some improvements.” It is worth noting that Andrea Kimi Antonelli lost control of his Mercedes at the exit of Monza’s second corner early in FP2, ending up stranded in the gravel trap. Reflecting on this moment, and a similar mistake in FP1 at the Dutch GP, Antonelli said: “Basically, I was just a bit too greedy with the grip, asking too much of it. It’s a shame because the day was going quite well, good FP1, strong start to FP2. But the confidence is still there, I just need a different run plan for FP3 now. We’ll be prepared for any situation.”