Home of Ferrari: Monza Track, F1 2023 Race Predictions & More

Want to know what to expect when the F1 circus races into the Temple of Speed? Keep reading for the history of the Monza circuit, our GP prediction and how to be there in style.

Last Updated: 17/04/23 at 10:49 am

The Tifosi will be out in full force once again this season as the Formula 1 calendar will visit the legendary and iconic Monza circuit!

The Italian and more specifically Ferrari fans will be hoping their boys Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will be able to see the chequered flag first and second this time after losing out to the reigning champions Red Bull and Max Verstappen last season.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Monza F1 circuit and what you could expect from this year's race.

Monza Circuit History

Situated in the woodlands just outside the small town of Monza, north-east of Milan, there are great and fast travel connections to the popular Italian city and its wealth of bars, restaurants, and of course, designer shopping malls.

Monza has been part of the F1 calendar since the inception of the World Championship in 1950 (except for in 1980, when the circuit was being refurbished) and is held at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.

But the history of the temple of speed goes back to 1922, when the track was first built. Back in those early days, the track was incredibly dangerous, and the racing was at the worst of times lethal.

Major rebuilding works were made over the years between its opening and the first World Championship race in 1950 to make it more suitable for the F1 cars.

The track is most famously known for its iconic oval circuit, which, to no surprise, was a high-speed oval with banked curves.

It was capable of being incorporated into the racing circuit, as it had been done in the early years of the World Championship - the 1955, 1956, 1960 and 1960 Italian Grands Prix used the high speed track, but the 1961 saw a fatal accident with a driver and spectators involved, and F1 hasn’t used the layout since.

The iconic Monza banking oval circuit last held an event in 1969, where after it was left decaying until it was restored in the 2010s.

Nowadays, the Monza circuit is a lot safer while still being ludicrously quick. The Curva Grande is the track’s highest speed curve and comes just after the Variante del Rettifilo that is located at the end of the front straight. On this straight, drivers go flat out and build incredible speed.

The current F1 drivers do occasionally still raise queries about its lack of run-off areas, but that doesn’t stop Monza from being beloved by the majority of the grid as well as fans. There is no race quite like the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Race Specifications

The Italian Grand Prix is the 15th round of this year's championship and will take place from the 1st to the 3rd of September, starting as usual with free practice one and two on the Friday, practice three and qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday.

It is a 78 lap race, with the race typically lasting around 1.5 hours, depending on if there are any incidents and the appearance of the safety car (or god forbid a red flag).

The lap record for the Modern Grand Prix Circuit is 1:21.046 set by Rubens Barrichello in the Ferrari F2004 in the 2004 Grand Prix (a lap record refers to the fastest lap in a race).

2022 Monza GP Results

The 2022 race was another tale of Verstappen's dominance, a story which was told many times over the course of the year (14 times, to be precise).

Starting in seventh due to a grid penalty as he had replaced his power unit which took him over the limit for the year, he was up into second place and behind Ferrari's Charles Leclerc by lap five.

In all honesty, it wasn't the most exciting Monza Grand Prix we've had in F1. Not too much really happened during the race other than a couple lead swaps and a timid finish behind the safety car which prevented Leclerc from challenging Verstappen for the win in the end.

Predictions for the Monza Grand Prix 2023

With three races gone in the season, Red Bull have shown to have a heavy advantage over the rest of the grid. They've won each race so far, with reigning World Champion Max Verstappen taking two wins and finishing second for the other result.

Its safe to assume that the Bulls will still be challenging come the Monza Grand Prix, but could the others be closer to them?

Aston Martin have shown to be capable of somewhat keeping up with Red Bull, and as the season progresses, they will be upgrading their car.

Fernando Alonso hasn't won in Monza since 2010, but now with AM, he may have a good chance this season.

Similarly, Mercedes' upgrades will be coming throughout the season, and seven-time World Champion and F1 legend Lewis Hamilton will be looking to set the record for most wins at Monza with six if the car is in a position to be winning later this season.

But of course, the Tifosi will only be looking for one result - a Ferrari on the top step.

The team from Maranello haven't had a brilliant start to the year, but they should be in a better position by the time this race comes along. Could Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz cross the line first on 3rd September?

Our prediction is Hamilton will take the win, with the circuit now suiting the Mercedes car very well with all their updates.

How can I get Monza F1 tickets and hospitality packages?

If you want to watch the Monza Grand Prix live, there is no better way to experience the races than with hospitality.

F1 hospitality guarantees great views of this fast-paced race and will place you to the heart of the action, overlooking the pit lane. You and your guests will also enjoy the Italian Grand Prix with delicious catering and beverage options.

Have an experience of a lifetime at the Monza F1 Grand Prix as you mix with the stars and enjoy F1 Celebrity Q&As. Watch Ferrari race to redeem themselves at their ‘home ground’!

Seat Unique is delighted to provide you with access to Garden Lounge and Race Club hospitality at Monza 2023. Explore packages and inclusions now, and guarantee your place at one of the most highly anticipated races of the F1 calendar.

Can’t decide which F1 race to attend this year? Check out our guide to the top races around the world for advice.