There’s fast. Then there’s Monza
The Italian Grand Prix at Monza stands as one of the most iconic races on the Formula 1 calendar, known as the “Temple of Speed” for its blistering straights, legendary corners, and electrifying atmosphere. In fact, Italian fans call Monza “La Pista Magica” (the Magic Track) for the almost mythical status it holds.
Why the Italian Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket listThe Autodromo Nazionale Monza, also known as the “Temple of Speed,” is one of Formula 1’s most iconic circuits. With long straights, just 11 corners, and three chicanes, cars spend almost 80 percent of the lap at full throttle. It’s the kind of track that demands full commitment and rewards those brave enough to push the limit.
Monza isn’t just about speed. It’s about precision. Corners like Curva Grande, the Lesmos, and the legendary Parabolica (now Curva Alboreto) test a car’s balance and a driver’s nerve. Qualifying here brings its own drama. Drivers fight for position just to grab a tow. Slipstreaming becomes a real strategy and a big talking point every time. Ask any driver and they’ll tell you Monza feels different. Pierre Gasly, who pulled off a stunning win here in 2020, calls it a special place. And for good reason. His win proved that underdogs can shine at Monza. “Anything can happen,” he said, and he’s right. That sense of unpredictability is what makes this race so exciting. 
Pierre Gasly won the 2020 Italian Grand Prix at Monza
But it’s not just about the track. It’s the atmosphere that truly sets Monza apart. The fans here live and breathe racing. The grandstands are a sea of red Ferrari flags and the energy is unmatched. Teams talk about feeling the history the moment they arrive. This isn’t just another stop on the calendar. It’s a piece of racing heritage. Monza has been hosting Formula 1 races since 1950 and marked its 100th year in 2022. 
No track rivals Monza’s electric atmosphere, fueled by the fervent tifosi (fans)
The Italian Grand Prix is a weekend full of noise, colour, and emotion. It’s a race that celebrates both the sport’s past and its future. A place where legends are made and surprises are never far away. If there’s one Grand Prix that captures the heart and soul of Formula 1, it’s this one. Monza is magic. Where's the circuit?Monza’s location is part of its charm. The circuit sits inside a royal park just north of Milan, surrounded by trees and history. It’s only about 18 kilometers from the city, which makes getting there pretty straightforward.
The easiest way to reach the track is by train. There are regular services from Milan and nearby cities like Bergamo. Drivers often mention how much they love the setting. It’s not just about racing. It’s the food, the fashion, the atmosphere. Monza combines speed with style in a way only Italy can. 
Monza circuit sits inside a royal park just north of Milan
Traveling to Italiy & Monza: What you need to knowMilan has two main airports, Linate and Malpensa, with direct flights from many major cities around the world. Bergamo Airport is another good choice for European travelers. It is about 55 kilometers from both Monza and Milan’s city center and is popular with low-cost airlines.
Milan Central Station is a major railway hub. There are direct trains to cities across Italy and to places like Paris, Frankfurt, and Zurich. If you're traveling by coach, several European companies run services to Milan as well. How many days should you spend at the Italian Grand Prix?We recommend spending three full days, from Friday to Sunday, at the Italian Grand Prix to experience everything the event has to offer. Between F1 sessions, you'll also get to enjoy a full schedule of Formula 2, Formula 3, and Porsche Supercup.
Italian Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glanceHere’s a quick overview of what to expect each day at the Italian Grand Prix.
Friday is action-packed with Formula 1 practice sessions, along with qualifying sessions for the support series, including Formula 2, Formula 3, and the Porsche Supercup. Saturday begins with the Formula 3 Sprint Race, followed by the Porsche Supercup qualifying, the third F1 practice session, additional support series races, and culminating in the thrilling Formula 1 qualifying session. Sunday features support series races, the drivers' parade, and the highlight of the weekend—the Italian Grand Prix. 
Drivers' parade
Best places to stay for the Italian Grand PrixMilan is the best base for an Italian Grand Prix weekend. It has a wide range of hotels and strong transport links. Staying near the central station helps keep travel time to and from Monza short. It’s also a good spot if you’re driving, with easy access to the highways.
Hotels close to Milano Centrale are ideal for quick train connections and road access. If you’d rather stay in a more central area, several hotels are just a few metro stops away. Staying in Bergamo Bergamo is another option, with a mix of independent hotels and well-known chains. It has direct train and shuttle links to Monza. The commute is longer than from Milan, but it can still work well, especially if you’re flying in through Bergamo Airport. Camping near the circuit You can also camp near the track. Companies like GPTents set up pre-pitched tents, so you don’t need to bring your own. It’s a simple way to stay close to the action. Lake Como For something more relaxed, consider staying near Lake Como. The views are beautiful, and the setting is peaceful, but getting to the circuit will take longer. If you want the best of both, you can stay in Milan for the race and head to the lake afterward. Best grandstands for key moments at the Italian Grand PrixMonza is all about speed. Long straights, fast corners, and big braking zones make it one of the most exciting tracks to watch a Formula 1 race. But where you sit can change everything.
Here are the four best spots to catch the action: Start/Finish Straight This is where the race begins and ends. You’ll see the build-up to lights out, pit stops, and the chequered flag. It's also the place for podium celebrations after the race. Great for atmosphere and big moments. First Chicane (Turns 1 and 2) One of the most dramatic spots on the track. Cars come flying in at around 340 km/h and slow down to 80 in just 150 meters. Expect late braking, overtakes, and even some chaos on the opening lap. 
First Chicane (Turns 1 and 2)
Ascari Chicane (Turns 8 to 10) A fast and flowing section that really shows off a car’s balance and a driver’s confidence. It's not the easiest spot for overtaking, but watching cars change direction at high speed here is a real thrill. Parabolica (now Curva Alboreto) This long, sweeping final corner is where drivers set themselves up for a run down the main straight. A good exit here can lead to an overtake into Turn 1. You’ll see drivers on the edge, fighting to carry as much speed as possible. 
Parabolica
Where next?If you're planning more than just race weekend, there are some great spots nearby worth visiting.
Lake Como Known for its stunning views and peaceful setting, Lake Como is perfect for unwinding after the race. It’s a calm escape with mountains, villas, and charming lakeside towns. Lake Garda Just over an hour by train from Milan, Lake Garda is another scenic option. It’s the largest lake in Italy and offers everything from water sports to hilltop villages. Veneto Region To the northeast, Veneto is packed with variety. It stretches from the Dolomite Mountains to the Adriatic Sea. You’ll find famous cities like Venice and Verona, as well as smaller gems like Padua. Contact us and start planning your trip |
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Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.
His love for Formula One started in the 1990s, watching the greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Mika Hakkinen. He traveled to his first Grand Prix in 1999. It was the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Since then, Rob has traveled to over 2/3 of Grand Prix' on the current Formula One calendar. Fast forward to today, and Rob has turned his passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream Formula One trips. His favourite Grand Prix destinations are Austria and Austin, and when he's not attending a Formula One Grand Prix, you'll find him closer to home, walking or cycling in the Peak District National Park. |
