F1: Sainz and Verstappen break Monza record in FP3

Carlos Sainz Jr. and Max Verstappen both unofficially broke the 19-year-old Monza F1 record in FP3 for the Italian GP.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Sainz Jr. turned the fastest lap of 1m20.912s in final practice in his #55 Ferrari to nip Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Honda by 0.086s, both breaking the 19-year-old lap record set in 2004 by Rubens Barrichello.

Both were well clear of Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes in 3rd, 0.541s behind.

Charles Leclerc was once again overshadowed by his Ferrari teammate and can do better than 4th in his #16 Ferrari, 0.574s behind.

Fernando Alonso rounded out the top-5 for Aston Martin.

The session ran incident free except for a few minor offs and missed chicanes.

Can Ferrari challenge for pole here? It certainly looks likely, especially with Sainz looking on such top form.  Sainz received a black and white flag for blocking Oscar Piastri late in the session.

Sainz was off the racing line on a cool down lap, Piastri thought he had the racing line and took it, only for the Ferrari to move across and pincer him. They did have a small touch, and neither driver seemed too impressed.

Ferrari from Red Bull and Mercedes. Aston Martin up there, McLaren not going for it in FP3, Haas suddenly looking good, Williams not to be discounted.

Qualifying, with all that traffic chaos, could be an absolutely chaotic session.

2023 Italian GP Practice 3 Results