2021 Italian Grand Prix

Championship standings

After Verstappen’s win at the Dutch Grand Prix, he leads Hamilton by three points. Bottas jumped Norris into third after his Zandvoort podium; Bottas has 165 points, Norris 114. Pérez is fifth with 114 points (behind Norris on countback). Mercedes retain their Constructors’ lead over Red Bull by 12 points. Ferrari lead McLaren by 11.5 points in the battle for third.

Previous race

At Zandvoort — the first Dutch Grand Prix since 1985 — Verstappen led Hamilton from pole to take the win at his home race, moving three points clear in the championship. Bottas finished third, overtaking Norris in the standings for third place.

Entrants

Räikkönen is replaced again by Kubica at Alfa Romeo, as was the case at Zandvoort while Räikkönen recovered from COVID-19.

Sprint format

This is the second sprint qualifying event of the season. FP1 and qualifying take place on Friday; FP2 and the sprint on Saturday; the race on Sunday. The sprint covers 18 laps (approximately 100 km). The sprint winner starts Sunday’s Grand Prix from pole position.

Tyre choices

Pirelli brings the C2, C3, and C4 compounds.

Practice

Hamilton was fastest in FP1 ahead of Verstappen and Bottas — no major incidents. FP2 was interrupted when Sainz spun and crashed at the Ascari chicane, bringing out the red flag. Leclerc had to stop early feeling unwell, though he was cleared by medical staff to take part in the sprint. Hamilton led FP2 ahead of Bottas and Verstappen.