By: What does Monza represent? It is never easy to explain properly. But on the eve of the Italian Grand Prix, let us try to capture the mood of a race that, for us Italians, will never be like any other.
Home
Let us start with the simplest, yet never trivial, noun. For one weekend, the circuit becomes a meeting place for thousands of Tifosi, all united by the same passion. You can feel something special is about to happen, from the events that begin creating that electric atmosphere as early as midweek to the dawn alarm call in a bid to secure the best spot in front of the now historic Hotel de la Ville.
It all feels remarkably like home.
Italian identity
In the grandstands over the three days, it is clearly the love for Maranello's Rossa that prevails. This year, however, Kimi Antonelli will undoubtedly make the Italian round even more special, as he becomes the first Italian in more than 70 years to return to Monza as Formula 1 World Championship leader. Not a bad calling card.
History
As the Lombardy round approaches, the topic doing the rounds among paddock insiders is the circuit layout, which on paper should not suit the characteristics of the SF-26. Yet the Temple of Speed has always been synonymous with Formula 1, and proudly remains the track that has hosted the most races in the history of the pinnacle of motorsport.
Prima Variante, Curva Grande, Roggia, the two Lesmos, Ascari, Parabolica: anything more would be utterly superfluous.
Pride
Regardless of Ferrari's level of competitiveness and/or the grid penalty Antonelli will have to serve, there is only one imperative for this weekend: enjoy it.
The engines firing up, the smell of burnt rubber mingling with petrol, the anthem, the track invasion, the sea of red beneath the podium... We have to enjoy it. Because every year, holy week reminds us that yes, when it comes to motorsport, we Italians really are good at it.
All the news, photos, weather, session times and times from the Italian GP 2026
