F1 LIVE | Final practice for the 2023 Italian Grand Prix

The 14th qualifying session in the 2023 Formula 1 season is about to start. The destination this time is the Monza circuit. However, before we start, it's time for the third free practice. The drivers will have another 60 minutes to make the final preparations in Italy.

F1 LIVE | The third free practice for the Italian GP

Red Bull is dealing with competition

Only twice have Red Bull Racing been defeated in a qualifying this season. In Azerbaijan, Charles Leclerc started from pole position, and in Hungary, it was Lewis Hamilton who achieved the fastest time in qualifying. Leclerc also took the official pole position in Belgium but only because Max Verstappen incurred a penalty. It could be that Monza is the venue where the RB19 is defeated again because, based on Friday, there seems to be some competition.

Carlos Sainz drove the fastest time in the Ferrari in second free practice, with McLaren driver Lando Norris only a few thousandths behind. Sergio Perez finished third, and Verstappen had to settle for fifth place after driving the fastest time in FP1. There's little between the three teams.

Ferrari are especially fast on the straight and in some fast corners. The acceleration of the Ferrari is considerable. McLaren are fast over an entire lap and gain time, in the corner combinations. Red Bull is better off braking. In short: the third free practice becomes very important for the teams to learn the last things towards the qualification.