News summary

Formula 1 returns to the track on Saturday for qualifying for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, with pole position at Monza up for grabs after a closely contested opening day.

The session will take place at 4:00 p.m. local time in Italy, corresponding to 10:00 a.m. ET in the United States and Canada. The official Formula 1 schedule confirms that qualifying will run from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. UTC.

Friday’s running provided little indication of a clear favorite. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton put Ferrari at the top of FP1, before George Russell responded by setting the fastest time in FP2 with a 1:22.559, just 0.120s ahead of Leclerc.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli was third for Mercedes, while Lando Norris and Hamilton completed the top five. Oscar Piastri was sixth, and Max Verstappen ended the session in ninth after Red Bull struggled to find the right balance.

The results continue a weekend in which Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren appear closely matched, while Red Bull is looking to make a step forward before qualifying. Russell’s FP2-leading performance at Monza also gives Mercedes an important reference heading into Saturday.

Ferrari, meanwhile, arrived at its home race with an upgraded power unit, while Hamilton is chasing his sixth Italian GP victory and his first at Monza as a Ferrari driver. Leclerc has also described Ferrari’s latest engine upgrade as a “step in the right direction”, increasing expectations around the Scuderia’s qualifying performance.

When is Italian GP qualifying?

Qualifying for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix will take place on Saturday, September 5, at 4:00 p.m. local time in Monza.

The session will determine the starting order for Sunday’s 53-lap Italian Grand Prix. The weekend is the 13th round of the 2026 F1 season, with Monza hosting the championship for another edition of the historic high-speed event.

Italian GP qualifying times around the world

In the United States, Apple TV is the exclusive home of Formula 1 in 2026 and carries every practice, qualifying session, Sprint and Grand Prix live. Qualifying is also available to stream through Yahoo Sports under the new partnership with Apple.

In Canada, TSN and RDS hold the exclusive rights to the 2026 F1 season, including practice, qualifying and races. TSN+ also offers additional companion feeds, while RDS provides French-language coverage.

In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports remains the exclusive live broadcaster of every practice session, qualifying session, Sprint and Grand Prix, with streaming available through NOW. The broadcaster’s schedule lists Italian GP qualifying from 3:00 p.m. BST on Saturday.

In India, FanCode holds the exclusive F1 broadcasting rights through 2028 and provides live coverage of every practice, qualifying session, Sprint and Grand Prix.

In Australia, Fox Sports carries the complete 2026 F1 season, with coverage available through Foxtel and Kayo Sports. The Italian GP qualifying session falls just after midnight on Sunday morning for viewers on AEST.

In New Zealand, Sky Sport and Sky Sport Now are broadcasting every F1 practice, qualifying session and race live during the 2026 season.

The battle for pole comes with an additional strategic element at Monza this year. Antonelli will start the race from the back of the grid after taking an engine change, meaning Mercedes can potentially use qualifying to maximize Russell’s starting position while also helping Antonelli prepare for his recovery drive.

With just 0.141s separating Russell from Antonelli in FP2 and Ferrari also showing strong pace, Saturday’s qualifying session could be decided by tiny margins.

GRANDE PRÊMIO will follow qualifying and all the action from the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

FAQ

1. What time is F1 qualifying at Monza?

The 2026 Italian GP qualifying session starts at 4:00 p.m. local time in Italy, which is 10:00 a.m. ET in the United States and Canada, 3:00 p.m. in the UK, 7:30 p.m. in India, midnight in Australia and 2:00 a.m. in New Zealand.

2. Who is favorite for pole position at the 2026 Italian GP?

Friday suggested a close fight between Mercedes and Ferrari, with George Russell fastest in FP2 ahead of Charles Leclerc and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. McLaren was also within striking distance, while Red Bull needs to find more performance after Verstappen finished ninth.

3. Where can I watch F1 qualifying in 2026?

In the United States, qualifying is available on Apple TV and Yahoo Sports. Canadian viewers can use TSN/RDS, UK viewers can watch on Sky Sports F1/NOW, Indian fans can use FanCode, Australian viewers can use Fox Sports/Kayo Sports, and New Zealand viewers can watch through Sky Sport/Sky Sport Now.