The 2025 Formula 1 season returns to one of its most iconic venues this weekend with the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Round 16 of 24, the race kicks off the final European leg before the long-haul flyaways and could play a pivotal role in shaping this year’s championship fight.
The Championship Picture
Oscar Piastri arrives at Monza in control of the standings after his victory in the Dutch Grand Prix, which, combined with Lando Norris’s costly engine failure, has given him a 34-point cushion over his McLaren teammate. With eight races remaining, every point matters, and Monza’s high-speed straights will put both McLarens under immense pressure to maximise results.
Behind them, Ferrari and Mercedes are locked in a fierce battle for third place in the Constructors’ standings. Lewis Hamilton, now racing in Ferrari red for the first time at Monza, will be one of the weekend’s biggest storylines. The seven-time champion has a five-place grid penalty for a yellow-flag infringement in Zandvoort, where his race ended in the barriers. Despite the setback, the Tifosi will be out in force, creating one of the most electric atmospheres of the season.
What to Expect at Monza
The Autodromo Nazionale Monza is famed for its blistering speed, with cars running minimal downforce to reach over 220 mph on the straights. Slipstreaming and DRS battles often define the race, while heavy braking zones into the Rettifilo chicane and Variante della Roggia provide prime overtaking opportunities. Strategy tends to be straightforward, but tyre wear can become a factor if track temperatures climb.
With the championship fight intensifying and the home crowd backing Ferrari, the 2025 Italian GP promises drama on and off the track.
Drivers to Watch
- Oscar Piastri – The current championship leader looks composed and confident. A strong result in Italy would further cement his bid for the title.
- Lando Norris – After the heartbreak of Zandvoort, Norris will be desperate to bounce back. His pace at Monza last year suggests he could be a real threat.
- Lewis Hamilton – Making his first Monza appearance with Ferrari, Hamilton faces a grid penalty but will have the crowd firmly behind him. If anyone can carve through the field here, it’s him.
- Max Verstappen – Sitting further back in the standings, Verstappen remains a dangerous competitor. Red Bull’s straight-line speed could give him a crucial edge at Monza.
Italian GP Session Times (BST)
- Friday, 5 September
- Free Practice 1: 12:30 – 13:30
- Free Practice 2: 16:00 – 17:00
- Saturday, 6 September
- Free Practice 3: 11:30 – 12:30
- Qualifying: 15:00 – 16:00
- Sunday, 7 September
- Race: 14:00 – 16:00 (53 laps)