The Temple of Speed
The Autodromo Nazionale Monza is 5.793 kilometers of flat-out racing through the parks of northern Italy. It is the fastest circuit on the F1 calendar, with average speeds exceeding 250 km/h. Drivers spend over 70% of the lap at full throttle, and the top speeds regularly exceed 350 km/h.
Monza has hosted the Italian Grand Prix every year since 1950, making it one of the most historic circuits in the sport.
The corners that define Monza
The Variante del Rettifilo, the first chicane after the start-finish straight, is the best overtaking opportunity on the circuit. The slipstream from the long straight allows drivers to pull alongside, and the heavy braking zone creates opportunities for late diving moves.
The Lesmo corners, a pair of medium-speed right-handers, are where drivers lose or gain the most time. They require a delicate balance between carrying speed and maintaining traction on exit.
The Parabolica (now Curva Alboreto), the final corner before the start-finish straight, is one of the most iconic corners in F1. It is a long, sweeping right-hander that opens onto the longest straight on the circuit. The exit speed from the Parabolica determines the top speed down the straight, making it one of the most important corners on the calendar.
The tifosi
The tifosi — Ferrari's passionate Italian fans — make Monza the most atmospheric race on the calendar. The grandstands are a sea of red, and the roar of the crowd when a Ferrari driver crosses the line is unlike anything else in motorsport.
For Ferrari, Monza is the most important race of the year. The team brings special updates and the drivers push harder than anywhere else. The pressure is immense, and the reward — winning at Monza in front of the tifosi — is one of the greatest achievements in F1.
Monza in the 2026 era
In the 2026 era, with less downforce and lighter cars, Monza will feel different. The reduced drag will make the straights even faster, and the lighter cars will brake later and harder. The slipstream effect will be more pronounced, creating even more overtaking opportunities.