Hello everybody, and welcome to one of the fastest and most exciting circuits in Formula 1. The race near the dune seas of Zandvoort has now been packed up. Formula 1 travels southeast to the beautiful capital of Milan and a 14-mile drive northeast to the city of Monza, where the goddesses of speed have graced us with their presence for the Italian Grand Prix.
Heritage and History of the Italian Grand Prix
Embed from Getty ImagesAs Formula 1 started its maiden championship in 1950, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza became one of the first tracks to become part of that legacy and remains on the Formula 1 calendar. But this crown jewel has been on the Formula 1 calendar for 74 Years. The first race was held around this iconic circuit not in 1950 but in 1922.
The Evolution of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza
Embed from Getty ImagesThe legacy of Monza began after the events of the First World War when Italian automakers began to build a reputation for their unique and stylish designs. But before their unique designs got into the hands of their wealthy clients, they would need a proving ground. A circuit that would lay the foundation of their sporting success. “The Temple of Speed”. Over the decades, Monza has evolved significantly, hosting a myriad of memorable races and witnessing technological advancements. As well as changes in safety standards and major historical events. But let’s begin with the 1920s.
1922 – The Birth of Monza
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Autodromo Nazionale Monza was constructed in 1922, making it the third purpose-built motor racing circuit in the world after Brooklands in the UK and Indianapolis in the USA. Built in 110 days within the Royal Villa of Monza Park, the circuit was initially 10 km (6.2 miles) long, featuring a 4.5 km (2.8 miles) road circuit combined with a 4.5 km high-speed oval with banked corners. This unique layout enabled high-speed racing and quickly earned Monza a reputation for speed and danger. The Italian Grand Prix was first held here in 1922, cementing the track’s status as the home of Italian motorsport.
1930s-1950s – The Rise and Challenges
Embed from Getty ImagesDuring the 1930s, Monza continued to be the epicentre of racing in Europe, but it also faced challenges. The 1933 Italian Grand Prix witnessed a tragic accident that resulted in the deaths of three drivers. Thereby prompting major safety concerns. These concerns led to redesigning the track layout, reducing speeds and improving safety measures. However, the outbreak of World War II in 1939 caused a temporary cessation of racing at Monza.
The post-war period saw a resurgence of racing in Monza in the late 1940s and 1950s. The original banked oval was reinstated and modified, creating a 5.75 km (3.6 miles) combined circuit used in the 1955 Formula One season. However, the extreme speeds and dangerous banking resulted in fatal accidents, most notably in the 1961 Italian Grand Prix, which saw the tragic death of Wolfgang von Trips and 15 spectators. This led to changes that marked the end of using the full oval circuit for Formula One.
1960s-1980s – Modernisation and Safety Improvements
Embed from Getty ImagesThe 1960s marked a turning point for Monza as the track underwent further safety modifications. Chicanes were added in 1972 to slow cars down at key points, reducing the risk of high-speed collisions. The 1970s and 1980s saw more chicanes, additional runoff areas, and new barriers and track resurfacing. These changes were crucial in making Monza safer for drivers while retaining its high-speed nature.
1990s-Present – The Contemporary Era
Embed from Getty ImagesFrom the 1990s onward, Monza continued to modernise with further improvements to safety, facilities, and spectator experience. The circuit layout was adjusted again in 2000, with the addition of the Variante del Rettifilo chicane and the Curva Parabolica corner being reprofiled. Despite these changes, the circuit maintained its high-speed essence and remained a staple on the Formula One calendar. Today, Monza is one of the fastest tracks in Formula One, where average speeds often exceed 250 km/h (155 mph).
Track Layout
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Autodromo Nazionale Monza has earned itself the title as one of the fastest tracks on the Formula 1 calendar. With only 11 turns, four to the left and seven to the right, the 5.793-kilometre circuit will have drivers traversing around 53 laps of the clockwise circuit.
And whoever has the fastest and perfect engines will have the best opportunities at overtaking, with two DRS Zones available to the drivers. The first zone is after the second ‘Lesmo’ of Turn 7, heading down under the old circuit Variante Ascari. The second DRS Zone comes out of the final turn, ‘Curva Parabolica,’ heading down the start/finish straight.
Iconic Features
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Autodromo Nazionale Monza, known as the “Temple of Speed,” is iconic for its high-speed layout and historic features. The circuit’s long straights allow drivers to reach top speeds, making it the fastest on the Formula One calendar.
The Rettifilo Chicane and Variante Ascari are crucial sections that test heavy braking and quick direction changes. These include the two ‘Lesmo’s’ at Turns 6 and 7, which act as a crucial sequence to nail the second sector.
What also stands out to not only the drivers but also the fans is Monza’s banked oval, a relic from the 1950s that reminds of its daring history, though it is no longer in use. Set within the Royal Villa of Monza Park, the track’s natural scenery adds to its unique charm.
The passionate Tifosi fans, known for their fierce support of Ferrari, create a vibrant atmosphere, making the Italian Grand Prix special. This includes after the race on Sunday, when the podium above the pit lane allows fans to celebrate with the drivers, adding to the circuit’s legendary status. These elements make Monza a historic and thrilling venue in global motorsport.
Memorable Races at the Italian Grand Prix
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Autodromo Nazionale Monza, the “Temple of Speed,” has been the backdrop for some of Formula 1’s most thrilling and unforgettable moments.
The 1971 Italian Grand Prix remains legendary for the closest finish in F1 history, where Peter Gethin clinched victory by a mere 0.010 seconds in a breathtaking five-car sprint to the line. Then came the 1978 Grand Prix, a race marked by both triumph and tragedy—Niki Lauda took an emotional win on a day overshadowed by the tragic passing of Ronnie Peterson after a first-lap crash.
Fast forward to 2008, and a young Sebastian Vettel shocked the world by winning in the rain for Toro Rosso, becoming the youngest F1 race winner and heralding a new era of talent.
Who can forget Charles Leclerc’s epic defence in 2019, where he brought Ferrari victory at home against the charging Mercedes, driving the Tifosi wild? Even the 2020 Italian Grand Prix gave us a true underdog story. Pierre Gasly snatched an improbable win for AlphaTauri amid chaos, penalties, and a red flag. Or Ricciardo proving he never left, leading a 1-2 in 2021 after Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen collided.
Live Timings for the Italian Grand Prix Weekend
Embed from Getty ImagesFriday (30th August)
12:00 pm – Italian Grand Prix Practice One – (Session begins at 12:30 pm)
3:45 pm – Italian Grand Prix Practice Two – (Session begins at 4:00 pm)
Saturday (31st August)
11:15 am – Italian Grand Prix Practice Three – (Session begins at 11:30 am)
2:15 pm – Italian Grand Prix Qualifying – (Session begins at 3:00 pm)
Sunday (1st Sepetmber)
12:30 pm – Italian Grand Prix – (Session begins at 2:00 pm)
If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1? Then why not check out “Shock Decision: Logan Sargeant Out, Franco Colapinto in at Williams” or “Dutch Grand Prix: A Storied Past and An Exciting Future.”