Slipstreaming continues to play a significant role in qualifying at Monza, even with the aerodynamic changes introduced for the 2026 Formula 1® season. Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix qualifying session, Charles Leclerc and Andrea Kimi Antonelli are expected to assist their teammates by providing slipstream tow runs, a tactic that remains valuable at the high-speed 'Temple of Speed'.
At Ferrari, the qualifying order alternates between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. For this event, Hamilton holds priority and is likely to seek a tow from Leclerc during their flying laps. Leclerc has made it clear that while he intends to help Hamilton by timing their runs to maximise slipstream benefits, he will not compromise his own qualifying performance. He plans to coordinate with Hamilton but also aims to find other slipstreams to support his own lap times.
Meanwhile, Mercedes faces a different scenario with Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has incurred a grid penalty for exceeding power unit components and is set to start from the back of the grid. As a result, Antonelli is expected to tow his teammate George Russell during qualifying to enhance Mercedes' chances of securing pole position. Despite leading the championship by 59 points over Russell and Hamilton with 11 rounds remaining, Antonelli has agreed to this team strategy to support overall performance at Monza.
Slipstreaming has traditionally been a key element at Monza due to the circuit’s long straights and high speeds, allowing drivers to gain crucial tenths of a second by following closely behind another car. Although the 2026 Formula 1® cars feature revised aerodynamics that reduce the tow effect compared to previous years, teams still consider slipstreaming an important qualifying tactic. This is reflected in the coordinated efforts by Ferrari and Mercedes to optimise their drivers' runs.
Leclerc’s approach balances team cooperation with individual ambition. He emphasises that helping Hamilton will not come at the expense of his own lap, highlighting the delicate timing required to benefit both drivers. Similarly, Antonelli’s role at Mercedes is influenced by his grid penalty, positioning him as a support driver for Russell in qualifying despite being the championship leader. This arrangement underlines the strategic considerations teams make when managing driver priorities and penalties.
These slipstreaming tactics demonstrate how teams adapt to the evolving technical landscape of Formula 1® while leveraging traditional strategies at circuits like Monza. Coordinated runs remain a practical method to maximise performance in qualifying, even as aerodynamic regulations shift the dynamics of racing.
Leclerc’s comments underline his focus on maintaining his own qualifying chances while assisting Hamilton, and Antonelli’s agreement with Mercedes reflects a pragmatic team approach to the challenges posed by penalties. These developments provide insight into how teams manage intra-team cooperation and strategy during crucial qualifying sessions.