This archive report was first published on 6 September 2019.
On a dismal morning at the Autodromo Nazionale in Monza, Italy, Charles Leclerc delighted a rain-soaked crowd by claiming the best time for Ferrari in the opening free practice of the Italian Grand Prix on September 6, 2019.
Leclerc, a 21-year-old Monegasque driver, secured his maiden victory at the Belgian Grand Prix just a week prior and dedicated it to the memory of his close friend Anthoine Hubert, who died in a Formula Two race in Belgium on September 1, 2019.
Leclerc's best lap in one minute and 27.905 seconds lifted him three-tenths clear of Sainz, with rookie Lando Norris an impressive third for McLaren ahead of Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes.
Red Bull's new boy Alex Albon was fifth, followed by Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso and Max Verstappen in the second Red Bull, and Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari.
Valtteri Bottas was ninth for Mercedes, and Pierre Gasly 10th for Toro Rosso, but the positions held little significance in the circumstances.
