F1 Italian GP: Saturday schedule, weather forecast and how to watch

Formula 1 heads into Saturday at Monza with George Russell fastest after second practice for the Italian Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver beat Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by 0.120s in FP2, with championship leader Kimi Antonelli third as Mercedes and Ferrari traded blows at the front. Lando Norris, winner of the last two grands prix, was fourth for McLaren ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri.

Antonelli remains set to start from the back of the grid because of an engine change, regardless of where he qualifies, while Max Verstappen was only ninth after chasing balance on his Red Bull. Saturday brings final practice and qualifying at a circuit where straightline speed, braking stability and slipstream timing can all make a major difference.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s running at the Italian GP.

Formula 1What we learned from Friday practice at the 2026 F1 Italian GP

Broadcast coverage of Formula 1 varies by region. For viewers in the United Kingdom, Sky Sports continues as the championship’s exclusive broadcaster, showing every session live throughout the 2026 season. F1 coverage can also be streamed via Sky Go or NOW, with highlights available free-to-air on Channel 4.

In the United States, Apple TV is the primary broadcast partner for the 2026 season, with all sessions available on the platform following a multi-year deal. F1 TV remains the series’ global subscription streaming service.

Motorsport.com will provide live coverage and updates throughout the Italian GP weekend.

Saturday, September 5 — free practice 3 — 12:30pm CESTSaturday, September 5 — qualifying — 4:00pm CEST

Saturday, September 5 — free practice 3 — 11:30am BSTSaturday, September 5 — qualifying — 3:00pm BST

For US Eastern Time viewers:

Saturday, September 5 — free practice 3 — 6:30am ETSaturday, September 5 — qualifying — 10:00am ET

All times local to Monza:

Saturday is expected to be very hot at Monza, with some sunshine and temperatures climbing into the mid-30s Celsius.

That should give teams another dry day for final practice and qualifying, but the heat will remain a major factor. Tyre preparation, cooling and brake management could all be important as teams chase performance on Monza’s long straights and heavy braking zones. Expect energy management to be a talking point throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday is forecast to stay hot for the Italian GP, with a passing shower possible, so teams may still have to keep one eye on changing conditions for the race.

Monza is Formula 1’s Temple of Speed, with long straights, heavy braking zones and low-downforce demands that place a premium on efficiency, power and confidence under braking.

*Hadjar is injured for the Italian GP so is replaced by Lawson at Red Bull, with Yuki Tsunoda stepping in at Racing Bulls.

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