Mercedes dominates the FP3 session of Italian GP as Lewis Hamilton goes quickest

Lewis Hamilton showcased his prowess at the Monza Circuit, topping the final free practice (FP3) session ahead of his Mercedes teammate George Russell. In a session filled with drama and near-misses, Hamilton edged out Russell by just under a tenth of a second, setting the stage for an exciting qualifying round later in the day.

Hamilton's performance was a clear statement of intent, as he clocked the fastest time in a session where every fraction of a second counted. His teammate George Russell was hot on his heels, ensuring a strong showing for Mercedes as they prepared for the Italian Grand Prix.

However, the spotlight wasn't solely on the Mercedes duo. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and McLaren's Oscar Piastri claimed third and fourth places, respectively, but their session ended under a cloud of controversy.

A high-speed incident between the two drivers nearly resulted in a collision, leading to an investigation by the stewards. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for both drivers as they head into the crucial stages of the weekend.

Max Verstappen continues to struggle!

Lando Norris secured fifth place, continuing McLaren's strong form this season, while championship leader Max Verstappen could only manage sixth. Verstappen's performance, while still competitive, suggested that he might face a tougher battle at Monza compared to his recent dominance in other races.

The FP3 session at Monza was anything but straightforward, with the near-miss between Leclerc and Piastri adding an extra layer of tension. As the teams now shift their focus to qualifying, the results of the stewards' investigation could play a pivotal role in shaping the grid for the Italian GP.

Here are the full results: