Charles Leclerc set the quickest time during opening practice for Formula 1’s Italian Grand Prix at a damp and cold Monza, as several drivers had incidents in the tricky conditions.
The bulk of the running took place on Intermediate tyres, following heavy rain earlier this morning, but the circuit dried sufficiently for slicks to be used late on.
Amid a flurry of late times Leclerc rose to the top on Medium tyres, posting a time of 1:27.905, to finish three-tenths clear of McLaren duo Carlos Sainz Jr. and Lando Norris.
World Champion Lewis Hamilton was fourth for Mercedes, ahead of Red Bull pair Alexander Albon and Max Verstappen, who were split by Toro Rosso’s Daniil Kvyat.
![Aston Martin managed its first race finish of 2026 with Fernando Alonso [behind] completing the distance](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aston-Martin-Honda-Japanese-GP-120x86.webp)
Leclerc’s Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel was eighth, while Valtteri Bottas and Pierre Gasly rounded out the top 10, the Finn scuppering his dry-weather lap with a spin at the chicane.
Gasly was the cause of one of three red flag periods during the session, when he spun at Turn 1 and became stranded.
The other red flag phases were caused by Kimi Raikkonen and Sergio Perez respectively.
Raikkonen went wide through Parabolica and suffered a light impact with the barriers while Perez lost control through the exit of Ascari and hit the wall, sustaining damage to the front and rear of the RP19.
Second practice is scheduled for 15:00 local time.
![Aston Martin managed its first race finish of 2026 with Fernando Alonso [behind] completing the distance](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aston-Martin-Honda-Japanese-GP-350x250.webp)
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