2026 Italian GP: What Does FP1 at Monza Reveal Ahead of the New Regulations Era?

Monza, a Friday afternoon in September. The sound of engines roaring fills the air, but it's not the familiar noise of the current hybrid machines. This is the first year of the new regulations era — with electrical power increased to 50%, active aerodynamics, and sustainable fuels. I stand by the pit wall, watching cars fly past at over 330 km/h, wondering: does this first practice session truly reflect the full picture of the season?

FP1 at the fastest circuit in F1 history is not just an opportunity for teams to test. For me, it's one of the most important sessions of the year. Monza, with over 80% of the lap at full throttle and average speeds exceeding 250 km/h, is the harshest test for the new power unit. If there are any technical flaws, they will appear here, on the 1.1 km straight before the grandstand.

I start from junior team data; every number is a drumbeat before kickoff. In this session, I noted a clear difference in how teams approached. Ferrari, with home advantage, appeared confident, letting Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton focus on long runs with high fuel. In contrast, Red Bull chose an aggressive approach: Max Verstappen completed three low-fuel qualifying runs, seemingly searching for the limits of the new active aerodynamics system. When the stadium falls silent, I learn to hear the team through pages of notes. Telemetry data shows Verstappen hit a top speed of 342 km/h on the main straight — 4 km/h faster than any rival. But behind that number lies a big question: did they sacrifice grip in the high-speed corners to achieve that result?

The key point few notice: the difference between teams in deploying the active aerodynamics system. McLaren, the championship leader, took a completely different approach. They kept Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in high-downforce configuration throughout the session, only activating the low-drag mode briefly on the straights. This suggests they prioritize stability through Parabolica and Lesmo corners over top speed. A calculated tactical choice, but is it enough to compete on a track where speed is king?

The truth is, data from FP1 is just one small piece. What we see today may not reflect the true order. I remember the 2026 season when Red Bull lagged behind Ferrari in early practice sessions but overtook them in the main race. History could repeat. But one thing is certain: the battle for supremacy at Monza this year will be fiercer than ever. The rhythm of a team is not born on the track, but kept on rainy days. And today, under the fierce September sun, we have seen the first beats of a new era.