Introducing the Italian Grand Prix

The Italian Grand Prix takes place at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, in the royal park at Monza, about 18 km north of central Milan.

Monza is one of the fastest circuits on the Formula 1 calendar. The track has 11 corners and three chicanes, and cars spend a high proportion of the lap at full throttle. Notable points on the lap include Curva Grande, the Lesmos, the Variante Ascari, and the Parabolica, now officially called Curva Alboreto.

Slipstreaming matters here more than at most circuits. In qualifying, drivers fight for a tow on the long straights, which can make the difference between a front-row start and a midfield slot.

The grandstands are a mix of covered and uncovered. The covered grandstands are mostly along the main straight and at the Parabolica. The race takes place in early September, when northern Italy can be very hot.

The Formula 1 sessions run alongside support races such as Formula 2, Formula 3, and the Porsche Supercup. The full schedule is published on F1.com about four weeks before the race.

The Italian Grand Prix has been part of the Formula 1 World Championship since the championship began in 1950.

How many days should you spend at the Italian Grand Prix?

Plan for three full days, Friday to Sunday, to see every Formula 1 session and the support races.

Italian Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glance

A typical Formula 1 weekend runs Friday to Sunday. Friday is practice. Saturday is final practice and qualifying. Sunday is the Grand Prix.

Each year, a handful of Grand Prix follow a sprint format. On a sprint weekend, Friday includes practice and sprint qualifying. Saturday includes the sprint race and Grand Prix qualifying. Sunday is still the Grand Prix. Sprint weekends rotate around the calendar each season, so check the current year’s schedule on F1.com.