Monza pace puzzle: Mercedes and Ferrari neck-and-neck after FP2 long runs

At Monza's Italian GP practice, long-run data shows Mercedes and Ferrari virtually level on race pace after adjusting for stint lengths and tyre compounds, with Leclerc and Hamilton effectively tied and Russell close behind. Mercedes appears to gain time early in a lap while Ferrari closes the gap in the final sector, making the pole and race outlook unclear. McLaren trails but shows competitive long-run pace; Red Bull remains a question mark, and Audi, Alpine, Williams and Aston Martin fight for midfield positions. The analysis suggests a one-stop strategy on most tyre options may be preferable, meaning the tiniest errors could decide the front-runners rather than a clear pace gap between Mercedes and Ferrari.