Things are heating up on and off the track as we head into Saturday's qualifying session.
We've got some heated rivalries flaring up on and off the Monza track. There's no better way to start the 2026 F1 Italian Grand Prix, folks.
Alpine and McLaren feud over Monaco appeal
Alpine executive advisor and team principal Flavio Briatore had some choice words to say during a Friday press conference. After the ruling that reversed the Monaco Grand Prix penalties and stripped Alpine driver Pierre Gasly of a podium finish, Briatore accused McLaren of influencing the FIA Court of Appeal.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella was also in the room when Briatore lashed out. Stella strongly rejected the accusations, calling them insulting and damaging to the integrity of the appeal process.
Mercedes, Ferrari show pace on Friday
Free Practice 1 at Monza belonged to the home team, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton forming a Ferrari 1-2. Ferrari is running an upgraded ADUO power unit, which could help them compete for the victory on Sunday.
But Mercedes, the championship leaders, are also bringing the pain. George Russell topped Free Practice 2, with Leclerc in second and Kimi Antonelli in third place. With Antonelli taking a grid penalty this weekend, it's a perfect chance for Russell to close the gap to this teammate in the Drivers' Standings.
Norris sounds worried about McLaren's chances
After winning the last two races at Hungary and the Netherlands, McLaren driver Lando Norris doesn't sound too optimistic this weekend. After the two practice sessions, Norris said that the team might not be able to "fight for pole" at Monza.
Still, there might be an opportunity for the Silverstone-based squad. They're bringing their unique H-wing to Monza, something that can help them on Saturday.
Albon also receives a grid penalty
Williams driver Alex Albon will start at the back of the grid after incurring a 20-place grid penalty for power unit changes. Albon will be using his fifth internal combustion engine (ICE) and fourth control electronic unit, which combine for two 10-place penalties.
This means that Albon will join Antonelli on the back row, assuming no other driver gets a massive grid penalty.
Former IndyCar star had himself a rough Friday
Colton Herta crashed in Formula 2 practice earlier in the day, then had to park his Cadillac in FP1 over a suspected hydraulic issue. It was a rough Friday for the former IndyCar star, encapsulating his disappointing overall performance in F2.
