Electric Cars

Lewis Hamilton led a commanding Ferrari 1-2 in the initial practice session of the Italian Grand Prix, signaling a strong start for the team at their home circuit. This session, however, was not without its moments of drama, including a red flag interruption and a mechanical failure that highlighted the challenging conditions and fierce competition on track. The early pace demonstrated by Ferrari suggests they could be a force to be reckoned with this weekend.

Ferrari's strong performance in the first practice session of the Italian Grand Prix positions them as a formidable contender for the weekend's events. Lewis Hamilton's leading lap time, closely followed by his teammate Charles Leclerc, underscores the team's potential for a dominant showing. The session, held at the historic Monza circuit, saw a mix of high-speed action and brief pauses, contributing to an unpredictable start to the race weekend.

Session Highlights and Challenges

During the opening practice for the Italian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton topped the time charts, outpacing teammate Charles Leclerc by 0.169 seconds, marking a strong Ferrari 1-2. The session was interrupted by a red flag due to Isack Hadjar spinning and bringing gravel onto the track. Max Verstappen initially led on soft tires but reported grip issues, while Lando Norris struggled with his McLaren's handling, indicating varied car performances and track conditions.

The practice session at Monza was a blend of high-speed runs and cautionary moments. Hamilton's impressive 1m20.117s lap on soft tires in the final minutes allowed him to overtake Leclerc, who had previously improved significantly over Max Verstappen's early lead. The red flag incident involving Isack Hadjar, who inadvertently spread gravel at Variante Ascari, temporarily halted proceedings. Despite the interruption, Leclerc maintained his composure, navigating a potentially penalizing situation by braking hard when a Sauber was passed under red flag conditions, an action the stewards ultimately deemed acceptable. The session concluded with another disruption when George Russell's Mercedes encountered power loss, leaving him stranded and unable to improve his position. This opening session thus provided a critical glimpse into the competitive landscape, highlighting Ferrari's strong potential at home and the various challenges teams faced with tire performance and track conditions.

Key Performances and Unexpected Events

Beyond the top two, Carlos Sainz positioned his car effectively between the Ferraris and Max Verstappen, showcasing competitive form. Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured fifth place, with Lando Norris close behind. Alex Albon, despite not setting a soft-tire time, demonstrated solid pace, while George Russell's session ended prematurely due to a mechanical issue, underscoring the demanding nature of the Monza circuit. Other drivers, including Alex Dunne and Paul Aron, also had their share of challenges and learning experiences.

The first practice session was not just about the front-runners but also revealed the broader competitive field and unexpected turns. Carlos Sainz's ability to split the Ferraris and Verstappen showcased his and his team's potential, landing him in a respectable third. Andrea Kimi Antonelli's fifth-place finish was notable, indicating strong individual performance. Lando Norris faced difficulties, needing multiple attempts to find pace on soft tires, while Alex Albon opted for a harder compound but still managed a commendable seventh. George Russell’s Mercedes suffered a power unit failure, bringing out a second red flag and curtailing his session. Additionally, reserve drivers Alex Dunne and Paul Aron gained valuable experience, though Aron’s spin illustrated the fine margins and demands of the Monza track. These incidents collectively painted a picture of a challenging and highly competitive start to the Italian Grand Prix weekend, with teams and drivers navigating both performance optimization and unforeseen setbacks.

The 1995 Le Mans 24 Hours witnessed an extraordinary upset as the McLaren F1 GTR, bearing the chassis number 01R and entered by Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing with Paul Lanzante's operational support, secured a stunning victory. This triumph was particularly remarkable given that the car was initially conceived more as a developmental prototype rather than a frontline competitor for such a prestigious endurance event. Its unexpected success at Le Mans, where it outshone even its fellow F1 GTR counterparts in a grueling race, marked its singular competitive appearance before it was retired from racing, cementing its place in motorsport lore as a one-hit wonder.

To celebrate this legendary achievement, and in anticipation of driver JJ Lehto's upcoming reunion with the car at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, McLaren recently undertook a shakedown of the F1 GTR at Pembrey. This event marked the first time the historic vehicle had been captured on video on a race track in three decades. The footage and accompanying interviews, including candid recollections from Lehto himself, offer an in-depth exploration of the car’s unique attributes and the pivotal factors that contributed to its improbable victory amidst the challenging, often torrential, weather conditions of the 1995 Le Mans race.

The tale of the McLaren F1 GTR at Le Mans embodies the spirit of perseverance, innovation, and the unpredictable nature of motorsport. It serves as a powerful reminder that with determination and the right blend of talent and engineering, even a single, decisive moment can forge an enduring legacy. This victory not only highlighted McLaren's engineering prowess but also showcased the extraordinary synergy between machine and driver under immense pressure, inspiring generations to pursue greatness against all odds.