The Italian Grand Prix is a significant part of the F1 season and takes place from September 5 to 7 in Monza, Italy. Monza is located northeast of Milan, and many spectators descend on Monza and Milan for the weekend. Italian supporters of the Ferrari team are known as ‘Tifosi’ and it’s at Monza that their enthusiastic support really stands out. Another highlight of the weekend, besides the racing, is the F1 displays and entertainment.
The Circuit
The Autodromo Nazionale Monza circuit was built in 1922, and the first race took place in the same year. The circuit has become a staple for hosting F1 races over the years.
In 2024, McLaren driver Lando Norris reached an average speed of 163 mph in his pole lap, which gives an idea of the speed of the track and why it is called the ‘Temple of Speed.’ The cars are on full throttle for the straights, while the brakes get a real workout in the park section with its big stops and tight chicanes.
The first corner of the circuit is where many first-lap accidents happen, and this can knock out even the best drivers.
Now that fans can live stream the action, they also have a chance to see the Grand Prix action even if they can’t attend in person. With the popularity of online betting and the fact that sports betting is legal in many US states, fans of the F1 will not only be watching but also placing their bets.
The drivers
Over the past 10 years, Lewis Hamilton has taken half the victories in Monza, and this year will be his first time driving a Ferrari at the circuit. Max Verstappen was victorious in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Italian fans will be supporting Andrea Kim Antonelli, the only Italian driver in the competition. He represents Mercedes. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the McLaren team, are another team to watch.
Many fans regard Lando Norris as the one most likely to take the victory this year, with Max Verstappen a clear second favorite. Charles Leclerc, who took victory for Ferrari at Monza in 2019 and has started on pole twice, is another favorite.
The F1 schedule this year has been a delight for fans, and the cars and drivers at the Italian Grand Prix are likely to add to their F1 experiences.
Best places to watch and tickets
The grandstand at Variante del Rettifilo is one of the special spots from which to watch the race. The cars have to brake in order to negotiate the chicane, and this is one of the spots where cars often overtake.
Some spectators visit Europe from other continents in order to attend the Italian Grand Prix, and grandstand tickets give them great views. Almost every grandstand has a food zone with refreshments, so fans won’t go hungry. VIP tickets give holders access to exclusive lounges and the paddock, and they have excellent views of the track. The general admission tickets are the most budget-friendly option.
All of these types of tickets give holders free access to the F1 Fan Zone. This gives fans attending the Grand Prix a chance to have some fun away from the action on the track. Tickets for the race often sell out well in advance of the race weekend, so fans have to grab them early.
Getting to the circuit
The Milan-Malpensa Airport is 27 miles away from the circuit, which is located in the wooded outskirts of Monza. From Milan to Monza is about 13.9 miles, and the distance from downtown Milan to the circuit is 18.5 miles. Various types of public transport are available to get to Monza, such as buses and trains. Many fans choose to travel by train due to local roads being so busy. They can take shuttle buses from the station and nearby car parks to the circuit.