Carlos Sainz topped the timesheets for a second successive practice session, leading Max Verstappen by 0.086s in FP3. The Spaniard’s pace will give Ferrari hope that they can challenge for pole in qualifying at Monza later today.
However, it wasn’t all plain sailing for the Ferrari man, who collided with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri late on at Turn 2 and was subsequently shown a black and white flag for impeding.
FP3: Sainz narrowly leads Verstappen in action-packed final practice session in Monza
Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top three in FP3, with a lap time 0.541s behind Sainz’s table-topping 1m 20.912s. Charles Leclerc was fourth – again raising hopes for Ferrari that they could have a solid performance for the rest of the weekend – while Fernando Alonso was fifth for Aston Martin.
Elsewhere Sergio Perez’s session was cut short again after his FP2 yesterday ended with a crash. This time it was a leak in the garage that prevented him from going out once more before the chequered flag was thrown.
To watch the highlights from the final practice session ahead of the 2023 Italian Grand Prix, click on the video player above.
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