“Three, four, five tenths.” That’s what George Russell reckons can be gained from a tow at Monza’s temple of speed. With such an advantage possible, the Williams driver reckons that could make for a chaotic Italian Grand Prix qualifying session…

Several drivers tried to get a tow during Belgian Grand Prix qualifying last time out, creating a queue of cars at the final Bus Stop chicane as everyone jostled for position. The benefit of the tow – when a driver attempts to slipstream a car in front – is even greater at Monza, meaning things could get even messier on Saturday.

When asked if we might see some chaos during qualifying as drivers attempt to ensure they can slipstream another car, Russell – who finished 20th in second practice – replied: “Chaos, definitely! It’s a fine line. If you nail the slipstream, there is at least three, four, five tenths to be gained.

“The thing is, trying to go for the perfect slipstream, no one will want to be at the front and you get a bit of a train on the warm up lap, and the next thing, people will be losing tyre temperature and it’s going to be a mess. We wait and see! I can’t wait!”