The Temple of Speed: The Italian Grand Prix at Monza
The Autodromo Nazionale Monza, known as the “Temple of Speed”, celebrates 75 years of history in Formula 1. This weekend, Ferrari and Kimi Antonelli will be the hosts in a race that promises strong emotions. After a difficult weekend in Zandvoort, where the Italian team suffered a double retirement, Monza presents itself as the perfect opportunity to redeem themselves, especially in front of the passionate tifosi.Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for the weekend in Monza is favorable. Warm and sunny conditions are expected on Friday and Saturday, with maximum temperatures of 27°C. Sunday will continue to be hot, although an increase in cloud cover is expected.This Week’s Highlights
The week has been full of interesting news in the Formula 1 world:- Piastri and Alpine: The famous tweet from Oscar Piastri three years ago, “I won’t be racing for Alpine next year,” is remembered. An analysis of how Piastri changed the fate of McLaren and Alpine.
- Hamilton Penalty: Lewis Hamilton faces a five-place grid penalty due to a yellow flag infringement.
- Hadjar Praised: Helmut Marko praised rookie Isack Hadjar, who achieved his first podium in Zandvoort.
- Tribute to Lauda: Ferrari will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Niki Lauda’s first world title with a retro livery and new blue uniforms.
- Antonelli Apologies: Kimi Antonelli apologized to the Ferrari team for the error that caused Charles Leclerc’s accident at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Charles Leclerc celebrates his victory in Monza in 2024.
Contents
History and Statistics of the Circuit
The Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, known as the “Temple of Speed”, has been an iconic circuit in Formula 1 since 1950. With its long straights and fast corners, it is one of the fastest tracks on the calendar.- Italian Grand Prix:
- Circuit: Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, Monza, Italy
- First F1 race: 1950
- Lap record: 1:21.046, Rubens Barrichello (2004)
- Laps: 53 laps of 5.8 km. Total distance of 306 km
Most wins: Hamilton (2012, 2014-2015, 2017-2018) and Michael Schumacher (1996, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006) tied with five wins.Other current grid winners: Fernando Alonso (2007, 2010), Pierre Gasly (2020), Leclerc (2019, 2024) and Max Verstappen (2022, 2023).Most pole positions: Hamilton with seven (2009, 2012, 2014-2017, 2020).Other drivers with pole position in the current grid: Alonso (2007, 2010), Leclerc (2019, 2022), Verstappen (2021), Carlos Sainz (2023), and Lando Norris (2024).“Monza is an incredible place, definitely one of the most exciting races for a driver, and it’s always exciting to race there… it’s a great test of nerves.”
Jenson Button
Data and curiosities of the week:
- Zandvoort was Piastri’s first “Grand Slam” (pole position, leading every lap, victory, and fastest lap), also the first for a McLaren driver since 1998 and the first for an Australian driver since 1966.
- At 20 years old, Hadjar is the youngest Frenchman to stand on an F1 podium, surpassing Gasly’s record.
What happened last year
Last season, Leclerc achieved a victory in Monza with an impeccable strategy, surpassing the McLarens. It was Ferrari’s last victory in Monza since 2019. Piastri and Norris settled for the podium positions.
How the championships are going
After the Dutch Grand Prix, Norris was only nine points behind Piastri. However, after Piastri’s victory and the point for fastest lap, the difference increased to 34 points, with nine races remaining until the end. Verstappen is 70 points behind Norris heading into the weekend. In the constructors’ championship, McLaren leads with a 324-point advantage.Session times (in CEST – Central European Summer Time):
Friday Free Practice 1: 12:30-13:30 CEST Free practice 2: 16:00-17:00 CEST Saturday Free practice 3: 11:30-12:30 CEST Classification: 15:00-16:00 CESTSunday
Race: 14:00 CEST
