Italy
Monza
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Track: Autodromo Nazionale Monza
The Italian GP, is such a classic in the world of Formula One. The track Autodromo Nazionale Monza or Monza for short, is a iconic track and, one of the fastest circuits in the Formula One calendar. It received the nickname "The Temple of Speed" because of its high speed straights, fast corners etc. Monza has been able to share a lot of memorable moments in F1, especially for being the home race of Ferrari.
Onboard Lap using EA SPORTS F1® 24
2024 Italian GP (Formula1)
Italian Grand Prix
The first Italian GP, happened in 1921. The Grand Prix was a non-championship event and wasn't part of the Formula One calendar. The Italian GP would join the Formula One calendar in 1950, to join F1's first and brand new World Championship. The first Italian GP, would be held at Autodromo Nazionale Monza. The track would later receive the nickname "The Temple of Speed", because of the track's numerous high speed zones and corners. The race was won by Giuseppe "Nino" Farina, and was the first driver to win at his home country.
1950 Italian GP (Motorsport Images)
Italian Grand Prix (1950) Track Layout
1950 - 1955 (Wikipedia)
​Length: 6.30km 3.91mi
Laps: 80
However, during the 1955 FIA Formula One World Championship, Monza would see it's first major layout change for the 1955 Italian GP. A new sector was opened, which was one big Oval in the middle of the circuit. Lap times became longer due to this modification on track.
Italian Grand Prix (1955) Track Layout
1950 - 1962 (racingcircuit.info)
​Length: 10.0km 6.21mi
Laps: 50
The new layout for the 1955 Italian GP, gave drivers a new challenge to face around The Temple of Speed. The new sector became great for great photographic shots of the drivers passing by. The Grand Prix was won, by Mercedes's Juan Manuel Fangio, which he won his third championship for Mercedes. This would be the last time Mercedes would win a constructors title until 2014.
1955 Italian GP (Motorsport Images)
During the 1962 Italian GP, Monza would yet again, change it's track layout. It turns out the big sector, proved extremely dangerous for drivers. So, they returned with their 1950 layout, with a change at the final turn. They added the iconic Parabolica curve, for better overtaking opportunities before the main straight.
Italian Grand Prix (1962) Track Layout
1971 - 1972 (wikipedia)
​Length: 5.75km 3.57mi
Laps: 86
During the 1971 Italian GP, the race had a dramatic finish as Peter Gethin, the winner of the 1971 Italian GP beat Ronnie Peterson by 0.01 seconds. The top 5 drivers, were also separated by about 0.61 seconds. This insane Grand Prix finish, is what makes this race one of the closest finishes in Formula One. The following year, the track would have another redesign on it's layout, this time adding the "Ascari Chicane". And within the next few years, would add more braking zones with new corners for the drivers to challenge.
Dramatic Finish (1971 Italian GP Motor Sport Images)
In the 1998 Italian GP, the race would be remembered for the dramatic battle between Mika Häkkinen Michael Schumacher. Both drivers were going wheel to wheel, duking it out for the win. But Schumacher's Ferrari proved to be unbeatable against Häkkinen's McLaren. Despite the battle, Schumacher was able to secure his victory at Monza.
1998 Italian GP (BBC News)
Italian Grand Prix
Autodromo Nazionale Monza Layout​
Turns: 11
DRS Zones: 2
Length: 5.79km (3.60mi)
Fastest Lap: Rubens Barrichello
1:21.046
The track would receive it's latest modification yet. New turns have been added to the track which includes the brand new turns of Turn 1 & 2, and 4 & 5, for better overtaking spots.
In 2001, it would be a sad year for everyone to remember. The September 11 attacks, have severely impacted on not just only America, but the whole world. Including Formula One. The Italian GP happened just a week after the attacks, and to honor the people that died during that day, Ferrari made a special livery to commemorate the lives that were lost during one of America's darkest days.
Ferrari's 9/11 tribute 2001 Italian GP (Motor Sport Magazine)
In 2019, Ferrari would secure another home win after a long while. Lewis Hamilton's dominance in the sport, has taken Ferrari's opportunity to win a home Grand Prix away. But, young superstar Charles Leclerc would be able to win the 2019 Italian GP for Ferrari. Leclerc managed to held of against Hamilton and went on the role of defense. All of that paid of, as Leclerc successfully manages to win the Italian GP for Monza.
Leclerc's maiden 2019 Italian GP victory (Formula1)
Hamilton & Verstappen's DNF 2021 Italian GP (Formula1)
However, the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship, would be one of the most dramatic seasons of all time. The rivalry of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, had fully reached its peak. Both drivers began to be a lot more aggressive with each other, after Hamilton's collision with Verstappen at Silverstone. In the 2021 Italian GP, both rivals would end up colliding with each other at the first turn. Hamilton just came out of the pits and unfortunately for him, ended up with Verstappen behind him. Verstappen attempted to make an overtake but, Hamilton tried to defend his position. Because of the tight turns of turn 1 and 2, both drivers ended up colliding, sending Verstappen's Red Bull to go airborne and hit Hamilton's Mercedes, bringing both drivers to the gravel. This was one of the most dramatic moments of the season as both rivals once again collided this time, taking each other out of the Grand Prix.
The 2024 Italian GP, would be a remarkable victory for Charles Leclerc. He had a wonderful 2024 season as, he managed to break the "Monaco curse" by, winning his home race and now, picking up another home victory for his team, Ferrari. Leclerc managed to keep his pace, and thanks to team strategies, he kept his position and did perfect pit strategies.
2024 Italian GP (Formula1)
Monza would always be such a special track to not just Formula One, but in the world of Motorsports. The Temple of Speed, is loved by so many fans, sharing a lot of memorable moments, home victories, dramatic finishes etc. and will always be a part of the Formula One Family.
WINNERS
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1950: Giuseppe Farina
1951: Alberto Ascari
1952: Alberto Ascari
1953: Juan Manuel Fangio
1954: Juan Manuel Fangio
1955: Juan Manuel Fangio
1956: Stirling Moss
1957: Stirling Moss
1958: Tony Brooks
1959: Stirling Moss
1960: Phil Hill
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1961: Phil Hill
1962: Graham Hill
1963: Jim Clark
1964: John Surtees
1965: Jackie Stewart
1966: Ludovico Scarfiotti
1967: John Surtees
1968: Denny Hulme
1969: Jackie Stewart
1970: Clay Regazzoni
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1971: Peter Gethin
1972: Emerson Fittipaldi
1973: Ronnie Peterson
1974: Ronnie Peterson
1975: Clay Regazzoni
1976: Ronnie Peterson
1977: Mario Andretti
1978: Niki Lauda
1979: Jody Scheckter
1981: Alain Prost
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1982: Rene Arnoux
1983: Nelson Piquet
1984: Niki Lauda
1985: Alain Prost
1986: Nelson Piquet
1987: Nelson Piquet
1988: Gerhard Berger
1989: Alain Prost
1990: Ayrton Senna
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1991: Nigel Mansell
1992: Ayrton Senna
1993: Damon Hill
1994: Damon Hill
1995: Johnny Herbert
1996: Michael Schumacher
1997: David Coulthard
1998: Michael Schumacher
1999: Heinz-Harald Frentzen
2000: Michael Schumacher
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2001: Juan Pablo Montoya
2002: Rubens Barrichello
2003: Michael Schumacher
2004: Rubens Barrichello
2005: Juan Pablo Montoya
2006: Michael Schumacher
2007: Fernando Alonso
2008: Sebastian Vettel
2009: Rubens Barrichello
2010: Fernando Alonso
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2011: Sebastian Vettel
2012: Lewis Hamilton
2013: Sebastian Vettel
2014: Lewis Hamilton
2015: Lewis Hamilton
2016: Nico Rosberg
2017: Lewis Hamilton
2018: Lewis Hamilton
2019: Charles Leclerc
2020: Pierre Gasly
2021: Daniel Ricciardo
2022: Max Verstappen
2023: Max Verstappen
2024: Charles Leclerc