Charles Leclerc quickest at first practice session in Monza, Max Verstappen takes penalty ahead of Italian Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc was quickest in the first practice session at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on Friday afternoon. Leclerc's Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz took second place in the initial runout, followed by Mercedes drivers Georg Russell and Lewis Hamilton, in that order. Ad Current world champion and runaway championship leader Max Verstappen was fifth quickest, but his job on Sunday will be made more difficult as a result of a 10-place grid penalty after taking a new internal combustion engine.

Formula 1Hamilton leads tributes to 'icon' Queen Elizabeth II, F1 holds minute's silence3 HOURS AGO Red Bull's Sergio Perez was down in 14th. Leclerc put down his best time of 1:22.410. The day’s action began with a minute’s silence from the drivers and crew in the paddocks, followed by a round of applause as a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday.

Hamilton leads tributes to 'icon' Queen Elizabeth II, F1 holds minute's silence Hamilton rules out F1 exit as Ricciardo to Mercedes rumours circulate Hamilton to drop down grid at Italian GP due to engine penalty A further minute’s silence is expected on Sunday before the race. Verstappen was just one of a number of drivers to elect to take a penalty, with a 10-place penalty for Perez as well, with Hamilton, Yuki Tsundo and Valtteri Bottas due to start at the back of the grid, and Sainz taking a 15-place punishment. Verstappen currently holds a 109-point lead over nearest challengers Leclerc and Perez at the top of the Driver’s Championship.