GT OPEN WEEKEND: 500 KM OF PURE ADRENALINE
Monza is preparing to welcome the International GT Open from 25 to 27 September 2026 for the twenty-first time. The series returns to the Autodromo Nazionale Monza for the seventh and penultimate round of the 2026 season.
More than thirty GT3 cars are expected, featuring some of the most prestigious brands on the international scene: Ferrari, Porsche, Audi, McLaren, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, BMW and Mercedes. It will be a high-profile field for what will be the second endurance event of the season, following the 500 km of Spa-Francorchamps.
As in Monza, the endurance race will be run over a distance of 500 kilometres and will award double points, making the result in Brianza particularly important in the battle for the title.
Leading the standings are the young British drivers Tom Emson and Tom Lebbon, driving the Ferrari 296 entered by British team Elite Motorsport. The pair arrive in Italy with a two-point advantage over the Motopark Mercedes driven by Australian Christian Mansell, already a protagonist in Formula 2, and German GT racing veteran Maxi Götz.
Among the leading Italian entrants is AF Corse, with no fewer than six cars, including its leading entry driven by Tommaso Mosca and Rafael Duran.
Particular attention will also be focused on two teams from the Veneto region. ZRS Motorsport, in its first season in the series, has already secured two victories, at Portimão and the Hungaroring, as well as two pole positions with the Porsche driven by Pietro Armanni and Swiss driver Alex Fontana. The pair currently sit fourth in the championship and still have title ambitions. Villorba Corse, meanwhile, has become a true reference team for Lamborghini, fielding a Huracán for two young talents, Leonardo Moncini and Rodrigo Testa. Their season so far has been characterised by mixed results, but was highlighted by their first victory, achieved in fine style at Hockenheim in the most recent round.
The weekend schedule will also feature the Euroformula Open, a category that uses the Dallara 324 chassis with a Toyota engine and Pirelli tyres. Over the years, the series has served as an important stepping stone for numerous drivers who have gone on to reach the highest levels of international motorsport, including Carlos Sainz, Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson, Álex Palou and Colton Herta. Leading the standings is Taiwan's Rui-heng Yeh, a Motopark driver who has scored seven victories and currently has 85 points. His advantage is not enough to consider the title race settled, however, as each round offers 76 points, leaving the championship wide open. His closest challenger is his Mexican team-mate Diego de la Torre. Also among the protagonists of the season is BVM Racing, the Ravenna-based team run by Giuseppe Mazzotti, which won last year's title with Polish driver Tymek Kucharczyk, now enjoying a successful campaign in the United States, where he currently sits third in Indy NXT. BVM Racing has already secured three victories in 2026: two with Venezuelan driver Alessandro Famularo and one with Mexican driver Javier Herrera, who, at just 17 years old, is the youngest driver on the grid.
TCR Europe will also be at Monza. Now entering its 12th season, the series is experiencing a significant resurgence, with 28 cars set to take the start—the best grid of the last seven years. The championship is highly competitive, with just 50 points separating the top eight drivers and seven different winners in the first eight races, representing Audi, Hyundai, Honda and Cupra. Nicolas Taylor, the 2024 and 2025 TCR Italy champion, leads the standings, while Italians Marco Butti and Nicola Baldan are currently third and sixth respectively and have already secured a victory. The Italian teams taking part include PMA Motorsport, BRC Racing Team and Aikoa Racing. In addition to the aforementioned Butti and Baldan, Gabriele Covini (Hyundai, BRC), Giacomo Prandelli (Audi, Aikoa) and Sandro Pelatti (Cupra, PMA) will also be on track.
Rounding out the weekend programme will be the Lotus Cup Italia and GT Cup Europe, providing fans with a wide variety of categories and cars throughout the weekend.
Admission to the Autodromo Nazionale Monza will be free for spectators; only parking will be subject to a fee. Access to the paddock will be restricted to accredited personnel.
The programme will get underway as early as Thursday, 24 September, with private testing for the various categories, with cars on track from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
2027 F1 CALENDAR REVEALED. MONZA FROM SEPTEMBER 3 TO 5 WITH THE SPRINT RACE
From Monza to Monza. Following a record-breaking 2026 edition, with more than 400,000 attendees — precisely 403,666 spectators over the weekend — the Temple of Speed is preparing to embark on a new chapter in its Formula 1 history.
From 2027, the Italian Grand Prix will once again host a Sprint Race, as part of a calendar featuring a total of ten Sprint events, four more than the six Sprint weekends held in recent years. The event at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza is scheduled for the weekend of September 3–5, 2027, and the Sprint will return to the Brianza circuit for three consecutive editions, from 2027 to 2029.
The news comes just days after an Italian Grand Prix that is set to remain etched in fans’ memories. What made the weekend particularly special was the extraordinary achievement of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who managed to claim victory after starting from 19th on the grid, putting an Italian driver on the top step of the Monza podium for the first time in sixty years, since Ludovico Scarfiotti. An incredible comeback that sent the Autodromo into raptures, with the venue already packed with a record crowd. After the track invasion, the fans joined Antonelli in celebrating by singing the Italian national anthem, the Inno di Mameli, together with him in one of the most emotional moments of the entire weekend. It was a breathtaking image that captured all the passion connecting Monza, Formula 1 and the Italian public. And now, just as the echoes of that celebration have yet to fade, confirmation has arrived that 2027 will be even more spectacular.
Next year’s F1 World Championship will have an all-Italian prologue in Milan, which will host F1 Live Milan from February 18 to 20, 2027, the global launch event for the new season.
The Formula 1 calendar features 24 Grands Prix and will span five continents. Pre-season testing will take place in Bahrain from February 24 to 27, before the championship returns to the Sakhir circuit for the season-opening Grand Prix, followed by the event in Saudi Arabia. The World Championship will then continue with Australia, Japan and China, before heading to Miami and Montréal. The European leg will include the return of the Portuguese Grand Prix in June, following Monaco, while Türkiye will return to the calendar in October, between Azerbaijan and Singapore. The closing stages of the season will take Formula 1 to Austin, Mexico City, São Paulo and Las Vegas, before the final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
The growth of the Sprint format is also linked to the success it has enjoyed in recent years. According to data released by Formula 1, Sprint weekends have recorded an overall audience 12% higher than traditional race weekends, while 82% of spectators attending a Sprint weekend said that the format adds value to their ticket.
In 2027, Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco and Abu Dhabi will host a Sprint for the first time, while the format will also return to Montréal, Silverstone, Monza, São Paulo and Lusail. For Monza, this will therefore be an important return, with an entire weekend set to offer even more on-track action. The Temple of Speed will thus build on its extraordinary 2026: more than 400,000 people, an Italian driver making history, an Autodromo transformed into a sea of fans, and the Inno di Mameli being sung at the top of their voices following the track invasion. In 2027, Monza will have one more reason to make the hearts of motorsport fans beat faster: the Sprint Race is ready to return to Brianza.
For the 2027 Italian Grand Prix, scheduled to take place at Monza from September 3 to 5, ticket sales will begin on September 17 at 11:00 AM with the AMEX Presale. The presale, reserved for American Express cardholders, will end on September 24 at 11:00 AM. The General Sale, open to everyone, will then begin at 12:00 PM on September 24. The Fidelity Promotion will also be available, offering an 8% discount on the list price of 2027 tickets.
The promotion is reserved for those who purchased a ticket for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix and will be available until October 8.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President: “The 2027 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar is a clear reflection of the global appeal and continued growth of our sport. With 24 Grands Prix across five continents, the return of Portugal and Türkiye, and the expansion of the Sprint programme, the calendar combines tradition, innovation and fan engagement, while maintaining the highest sporting standards.
I would like to thank Formula One Management, the organisers, the national sporting authorities, FIA officials and volunteers, and all our partners for their collaboration and commitment. Together, we continue to strengthen the FIA Formula One World Championship and deliver an exceptional season for competitors and fans around the world.”
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1: “The 2027 calendar brings together some of the world’s most iconic circuits and vibrant cities, creating an extraordinary setting for another unforgettable Formula 1 season. We are delighted to welcome Portugal and Türkiye back to the championship and to expand Sprint races to ten events, giving our fans even more intensity, excitement and wheel-to-wheel battles — elements that make our sport so special. Formula 1 continues to grow and strengthen, attracting new fans around the world. Week after week, the best drivers on the planet will compete on some of the most challenging circuits in motorsport, supported by the outstanding F1 teams, world-class manufacturers and global partners. Together, they create a unique spectacle in the sporting world. As we continue on this extraordinary journey of growth, I want to thank our fans around the world, because it is their passion that drives everything we do. I would like to thank FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and the FIA, our teams and drivers, the organisers, partners, sponsors and the cities that host the Grands Prix for their continued commitment and support. We also want to recognise the extraordinary dedication of the volunteers, marshals and all race officials, whose work makes every Grand Prix possible. We are truly excited to see this calendar come to life and to give our fans around the world another season filled with unforgettable moments, close competition and the highest level of entertainment.”
(Source: F1 and FIA press release)
MONZA HALF MARATHON ON OCTOBER 4 CLOSE TO SELLING OUT. ATHLETES FROM 79 COUNTRIES
The Monza Half Marathon returns on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. The event, organized by MG Sport under the FollowYourPassion brand, was presented today, Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Temple of Speed. Among those present were Viviana Guidetti, Monza City Councilor for Sport, Ennio Marchesin, member of the CONI Lombardia Executive Committee, Luca Barzaghi, President of the FIDAL Lombardia Regional Committee, Andrea Trabuio, General Manager of MG Sport, and Luca Lamera, Race Director of the Monza Half Marathon.
Registrations are close to selling out, with a 60% increase compared with 2025. 32% of participants are coming from abroad, representing 79 countries.
36% of the starters will be women, with an average age of 34. Four distances are scheduled: 30 km, 21 km, 10 km and 5 km. The 30 km and 21 km races are competitive; the 10 km is both competitive and non-competitive, while the 5 km is non-competitive.
All registered participants will receive the official shirt and those who finish the race will also receive the event medal.
The Monza Half Marathon is also the second stage of the 2026 FollowYourPassion Running Series. Here is the schedule. Saturday, October 3: from 10.00 to 18.30, bib and race pack collection at Paddock 1 of the Autodromo; Sunday, October 4: from 6.15 to 8, bib and race pack collection, only for residents outside the province of Monza-Brianza.
At 9.00, the competitive races start, with the traffic light being switched off on the finish straight, followed by the non-competitive distances.
At 11.00, awards for the overall 10 km and 21 km winners at the Expo Village.
At approximately 12.30, category awards for the 21 km and overall awards for the 30 km.
"Promoting good sporting practices means, for the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, making a concrete contribution to the well-being of the community and strengthening the bond with the local area -says the president of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Giuseppe Redaelli -. It also means demonstrating that a place created for motorsports can be experienced in many ways and become a space capable of welcoming people, generations and different passions».
(source: Half Marathon press release)
OVER 3.6 TONNES OF FOOD SURPLUS RECOVERED AND REDISTRIBUTED TO THE GP
The Formula 1 Pirelli Italian Grand Prix has enabled more than 3.6 tonnes of food to be recovered and redistributed through its food surplus recovery project.
Thanks to the joint commitment of Autodromo Nazionale Monza, the catering company, the recipient associations, the volunteer network coordinated by CSV Monza Lecco Sondrio, and ATS Brianza, it was possible to organise the recovery, handling and redistribution of food to 9 associations operating across 6 municipalities, reaching 846 people belonging to 375 families.
The figures from the initiative highlight the value of the work carried out: more than 2,600 kg of fresh produce and over 1,000 kg of dry goods were recovered, with vegetables, fruit, bread, cheese, meat and preserved foods accounting for the majority. These food products provided tangible support to individuals and families experiencing hardship and vulnerability.
Alongside its social impact, the environmental benefits are also significant. Every kilogram of food recovered represents a reduction in food waste, disposal costs and the emissions associated with food production, transportation and waste management. The recovery of surplus food therefore contributes to reducing the event’s environmental footprint while promoting a more efficient use of available resources.
The initiative involved a total of 83 volunteers coordinated by CSV Monza Lecco Sondrio, with the operational support of Casa del Volontariato ETS.
In addition, 164 ornamental plants were donated for use in inclusive projects in the local community.
“Every year, the Grand Prix is also an opportunity to promote concrete actions for sustainability and social inclusion,” said Paola Palmieri, General Director of ATS Brianza. “Recovering surplus food means protecting the environment, promoting health and supporting families going through difficult times. It is a project that continues to grow and represents one of the best examples of collaboration between the public sector, private sector and volunteer organisations.
A particularly important aspect is the awareness-raising work carried out over the years, which has helped to progressively reduce the amount of surplus food generated during the event (16,000 kg in 2022, compared with 3,600 kg in 2026), confirming a growing awareness of the issue of food waste.
I would like to thank the staff of our Agency and all the volunteers who, with professionalism and dedication, have once again made it possible to achieve this important result.”
“We are truly delighted to see that the commitment we have pursued since 2022 together with ATS Brianza and CSV Monza Lecco Sondrio to prevent food waste before the event is now translating into such an efficient recovery operation,” said Giuseppe Redaelli, President of SIAS Autodromo Nazionale Monza. “This has been made possible by the increased awareness among industry operators, who are paying ever greater attention to consumption planning and to the careful planning of the food offering. Because we strongly believe in the Food Donation project — which we consider a cornerstone of our sustainability policy — we have extended this practice to several other races on our calendar as well. We will therefore continue to share this commitment, so that any surplus from the large quantities of food required to welcome hundreds of thousands of people does not become waste, but can instead be recovered and transformed into tangible support for those who need it.”
Filippo Viganò, President of CSV Monza Lecco Sondrio ETS, highlighted that “This project demonstrates the value of organised volunteering: without the training and coordination that CSV provides to associations, so much energy could risk being dispersed. I am particularly pleased by the involvement of so many volunteers: they brought enthusiasm and a practical approach to every stage of the surplus recovery process and its subsequent distribution, which was both widespread and immediate. It demonstrates that when a community comes together and organises itself, even a major sporting event can become an opportunity for widespread solidarity.”
Since its launch in 2022, the project has enabled more than 30 tonnes of food to be recovered in total.
WATER, TRAINS AND SHUTTLE BUSES: ALL THE NUMBERS BEHIND THE 2026 FORMULA 1 PIRELLI ITALIAN GRAND PRIX
The city of Monza is preparing to close the books on a record-breaking edition of the 97th Italian Grand Prix. Today, at City Hall, Mayor Paolo Pilotto presented the figures together with Prefect Enrico Roccatagliata, accompanied by the highest-ranking representatives of the law enforcement agencies, SIAS President Giuseppe Redaelli and ACI Milano Deputy Vice President Enrico Radaelli.
According to data provided by SIAS Autodromo Nazionale Monza, this edition of the Italian Grand Prix recorded a sharp increase in attendance, with 403,666 spectators over the three days. As for staff alone, 25,000 people worked inside the circuit over the four days, including 9,000 working for Formula 1 teams, 4,500 involved in security and 4,300 in hospitality.
The extraordinary mobility plan, now well established for major events and developed in cooperation with Monza Mobilità, worked effectively.
Many fans once again chose to reach the circuit by public transport, thanks to the shuttle bus system and, in particular, the Black Shuttle, which connected Monza railway station with the Park. More than 65,000 passengers used the service over the three days — 3,000 more than in 2025, mainly due to the increase recorded on Friday.
Users also took advantage of expanded shared-mobility services, confirming the popularity of shared e-scooters and bicycles, which recorded 13,850 rentals, compared with 12,183 during last year's edition.
The eight large car parks — Platinum, Gold, Red, Blue, Orange, Brown, Purple and White — managed by Monza Mobilità, accommodated more than 17,000 vehicles over the three days, as well as 290 buses.
Over the Grand Prix weekend, Trenord operated additional trains between Milan and Monza and between Milan and Biassono, alongside the regular service. It also increased train capacity and deployed Assistance and Security staff at the stations.
A total of 43,500 passengers travelling to the circuit purchased the special tickets offered by Trenord to travel by train to the Grand Prix from Milan and across Lombardy. This represents a 21% increase compared with 2025.
These figures are in addition to the several thousand passengers who travelled to Monza and Biassono Lesmo stations between Friday and Sunday using regular tickets and season passes.
A total of 600 local police officers were deployed, working shifts from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and providing more than 7,000 hours of service on September 4, 5 and 6.
Of these, around 300 officers were deployed by the Monza Local Police Command, which provided the largest contribution. Officers helped ensure the smooth flow of fans leaving the event area, which took place without any significant incidents, confirming the effectiveness of the traffic management and security measures put in place with the involvement of the various Local Police Commands.
Over the three days, a total of 43 operational interventions were carried out, including 10 road accidents and 16 interventions relating to traffic and parking.
The work carried out by the Consumer and Business Protection Office was also significant. The office identified violations resulting in fines totalling approximately €9,000, including the confiscation of around 350 bottles of water and beer being sold without authorisation.
The Volunteer Environmental Guards identified 30 violations relating to waste management and the protection of green areas. They also provided assistance to visitors at the information point on Via Arosio, in the square in front of the railway station.
The 190 Civil Protection volunteers provided more than 2,000 hours of service in total. Thanks to cooperation with the Lombardy Region's Natural Risk Monitoring Functional Centre and ARPA Lombardia, five special weather bulletins were issued for the event area and shared with all personnel involved.
At Monza railway station, approximately 1,200 bottles of water were distributed free of charge to people waiting for trains to take them home.
The licence-plate recognition system recorded a total of 1,072,144 vehicles passing through the city from Thursday to Sunday, including 17,141 vehicles with foreign licence plates.
This is a particularly significant figure considering that it was not yet a fully operational working week and that the usual traffic flows associated with school activities had not yet resumed.
Extraordinary waste collection operations in the Park and throughout the city will be completed in the coming hours.
According to an initial estimate, 20 tonnes of waste were generated inside the Park during the Grand Prix days. This is in addition to the 98 tonnes already collected in the circuit area, with a further similar amount expected to be generated once cleaning and dismantling operations have been completed.
In the city, 14 tonnes of waste have already been collected and taken for disposal as of today.
BrianzAcque, the public company responsible for managing the water service in the Brianza area, supplied 115,000 litres of public drinking water at the various distribution points installed inside the circuit area. This resulted in an estimated saving of approximately 230,000 half-litre plastic bottles. These figures represent a 47% increase compared with 2025.
More than 122,000 people are estimated to have attended the events associated with MonzaFuoriGP, organised over the four days from Thursday to Sunday.
More than 23,000 people attended the concerts in Piazza Cambiaghi, with the Saturday evening event selling out. The line-up featured Arisa, Merk & Kremont, Nicolò Filippucci, Cioffi and Senza Cri.
At the Boschetti Reali, 34,000 people passed through the food-truck area, while total attendance across the other event areas in the city centre reached 65,000 people, distributed among Piazza Trento e Trieste, Largo IV Novembre, Piazza Roma, Piazza Carducci, Piazza San Paolo, Piazza Centemero e Paleari, Largo Mazzini, Via Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza Carrobiolo and the Mercati footbridge/Maddalena ramparts.
The five information points set up in Piazza Trento e Trieste, Piazza Roma, Monza Railway Station – Via Arosio, Autodromo Nazionale di Monza and the Park – Porta Monza recorded a total of 12,378 contacts, including 7,696 Italian tourists (62.2%) and 4,682 visitors from other countries (37.8%).
The information point at Monza Railway Station – Via Arosio recorded the highest proportion of international tourists, at 65%.
MONZA SETS NEW RECORD: 403,666 ATTENDANCES AT THE 2026 FORMULA 1 PIRELLI GRAND PRIX
There were 403,666 spectators over the four days of the 2026 Formula 1 Pirelli Italian Grand Prix, setting a new attendance record for the Autodromo Nazionale Monza (last year’s figure was 369,041). It was an extraordinary result that once again confirmed the enduring appeal and timeless fascination of the Monza event, the oldest Grand Prix still on the Formula 1 calendar.
The 97th edition therefore closed with record-breaking figures and a sporting finale that could hardly have been more exciting: Andrea Kimi Antonelli won the Italian Grand Prix, putting an Italian driver on the top step of the Monza podium for the first time in 60 years, since Ludovico Scarfiotti.
The victory came after an exceptional comeback. The Bologna-born Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver had started from 19th on the grid, turning what appeared to be a compromised race into one of the most impressive achievements in the recent history of the Italian Grand Prix.
The race was red-flagged after just three laps following a violent crash involving Charles Leclerc, who went into the barriers on the outside of the Parabolica in his Ferrari. The red flag brought the race to a halt to allow the track to be made safe and the barriers to be restored.
After the restart, Antonelli began his remarkable comeback, gradually fighting his way back into the leading positions. In the closing stages, the championship leader engaged in an exciting battle with George Russell, finally breaking his teammate’s resistance with three laps remaining. Joining them on the podium was four-time world champion Max Verstappen of Oracle Red Bull.
The young Italian’s triumph turned a weekend that had already made history in terms of attendance into an unforgettable day for Italian sport.
The result also rewarded the work of an immense organisational operation. Around 25,000 people, including ACI, SIAS, suppliers, technicians, operators, security personnel and many other professionals, worked for months — and tirelessly in the final weeks — to prepare and deliver one of Italy’s most important sporting events.
The Italian Grand Prix was attended by President of the Chamber of Deputies Lorenzo Fontana; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Matteo Salvini; Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi; Minister for Public Administration Paolo Zangrillo; Minister for Parliamentary Relations Luca Ciriani; and Minister of Tourism Gianmarco Mazzi.
The Italian national anthem had already echoed around Monza that morning following Nicola Lacorte’s victory in Formula 3, while the Paraguayan Joshua Dürksen..
GASLY GIFTS HIMSELF THE QUEEN’S RING. TOMORROW SHOW WITH PAUSINI AND NATIONAL ANTHEM WITH MELE
Six years after writing one of the most memorable chapters of his career in Monza, Pierre Gasly is back in the spotlight at the Lombard circuit. This time, not with a victory, but with the first pole position of his Formula 1 career. And as a reward, he has the Queen’s Ring placed on his finger — the award celebrating the driver who sets the fastest qualifying lap at the Italian Grand Prix. The ring was presented to him at the end of qualifying by Debora Massari, Councillor for Tourism of the Lombardy Region, and Paolo Pilotto, Mayor of Monza.
The Alpine driver stopped the clock at 1:21.786, at an average speed of 254.992 km/h, edging George Russell by just 60 thousandths of a second. The Mercedes driver finished second with a time of 1:21.846. It was a pole position decided by the tiniest of margins, and achieved at a place that Gasly has always held close to his heart.
It was in 2020, when he was still driving for AlphaTauri, that the Frenchman claimed his only Formula 1 victory in Monza. Today, six years later, he is an Alpine driver, with Flavio Briatore at the helm of the team, but his bond with the city and the surrounding area has not changed. Gasly has long lived in the heart of Milan, and it was in Monza that he added one of the most important achievements of his career.
Russell will therefore start alongside him on the front row, while third place went to Oscar Piastri, who set a 1:21.966 in the McLaren. The Australian, however, was handed a three-place grid penalty, opening the door for Ferrari to occupy the second row.
Defending the colours of the Prancing Horse will be Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, ready to turn Sunday’s race into a great sea of red in front of the grandstands at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
It will also be a Sunday to remember for Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The young Italian talent, leader of the World Championship, finished qualifying seventh with a time of 1:22.758, but will be forced to start from the penultimate row of the grid because of the penalty imposed following a Power Unit replacement. His qualifying session was therefore overshadowed by a sanction that makes the challenge awaiting him in the race even more spectacular: a major comeback from the back of the field.
Now in its third edition, the Queen’s Ring has already become one of the defining events of the Monza Grand Prix weekend.
The ring is inspired by the Iron Crown, a symbol deeply connected to Lombardy’s history, and incorporates several of its elements through references to the chequered flag and the colours of the Italian flag, enhanced with precious stones set into the design.
It is a one-of-a-kind piece, created exclusively for the Italian Grand Prix and personalised for the winner. Before Gasly, it had already been worn by Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.
Gasly’s pole position has further heightened anticipation for tomorrow’s race, when Monza will once again turn red. The grandstands are ready to cheer on Ferrari, while also getting behind Antonelli as he faces the difficult task of fighting his way back from the rear of the grid.
And the spectacle will begin well before the lights go out.
On the grid will be Laura Pausini, one of Italy’s best-known and most beloved artists worldwide, winner of a Grammy Award, five Latin Grammy Awards and a Golden Globe.
After the traditional drivers’ parade, the spotlight will turn to the parachutists of the 1st Carabinieri Paratroopers Regiment “Tuscania”, who will jump over the circuit carrying the flags of Italy, Formula 1 and the ACI.
Following their success in 2024, tenor Francesco Meli, one of the leading figures on the international opera scene, will once again perform the “Canto degli Italiani”, accompanied by the Italian Army Military Band.
At the end of the national anthem will come one of the most eagerly awaited moments of Monza Sunday: the spectacular flyover of the starting grid by the Frecce Tricolori, the National Aerobatic Team of the Italian Air Force.
Finally, this year too, the 22 protagonists of the World Championship will be accompanied onto the grid by young representatives of the Maria Letizia Verga Foundation, which provides support to children and young people affected by haematological and oncological diseases, as well as metabolic and genetic conditions requiring highly complex treatment.
Today, meanwhile, eight months after the tragedy on New Year’s Eve in Crans-Montana, Automobile Club Milano made a simple yet meaningful gesture by welcoming some of the young survivors to Monza, giving them the opportunity to spend a day together immersed in sport and passion.
FERRARI AND RUSSELL ON FRIDAY, TOMORROW POLE, CARS MOVIE IN THE FANZONE AND THE CELEBRATION OF SCHUMACHER
The great celebration of the 2026 Formula 1 Pirelli Italian Grand Prix has begun. Today, Friday, September 4, thousands of fans flocked to the Autodromo Nazionale Monza for the first day of the most eagerly awaited weekend of the season, giving the Temple of Speed an atmosphere worthy of a major event already.
The track verdict saw the two Scuderia Ferrari HP cars emerge as the absolute protagonists in the first free practice session. Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets with a 1:23.008, ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton, who was second in 1:23.181.
There was also huge enthusiasm for Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The Italian Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver, cheered on by the home crowd, set the fifth-fastest time in 1:23.644. Antonelli, who will be forced to start from the back of the grid on Sunday, nevertheless gave the fans at the circuit an encouraging performance.
In the second free practice session, the fastest time was set instead by George Russell, Antonelli’s teammate and one of the leading contenders in the fight for the World Championship.
The Briton stopped the clock at 1:22.559, corresponding to an average speed of 252.604 km/h, finishing just 0.120 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc. Andrea Kimi Antonelli set the third-fastest time, delivering a particularly strong FP2 performance in front of the Italian crowd.
The competitive order therefore remains extremely close, leaving all scenarios open ahead of tomorrow’s qualifying session.
Ferrari has dedicated this weekend to Michael Schumacher: the two cars are running in a special livery inspired by the Ferrari F310, the car with which Michael began his Ferrari adventure in 1996. Leclerc has also chosen a helmet inspired by the one used by the seven-time World Champion, adding another symbolic element to an already emotional weekend.
The 1996 F310 and the 2006 248 F1 are on display at Monza. The latter was the car with which the German driver concluded his Ferrari career on the racetrack. With these two cars, Schumi claimed his first and last victories at Monza.
The third star of the exhibition is the Ferrari F2002, with which Schumacher won the 2022 title. Tomorrow afternoon at 5:45 p.m., Rubens Barrichello will take the car out on track, while on Sunday morning it will be Sebastian Vettel’s turn at 11 a.m.
Tomorrow, qualifying day, it will not be just the track that takes centre stage.
From 5:30 p.m., the Grand Prix Fan Zone will be transformed into a genuine open-air cinema for a special screening of Cars, marking the 20th anniversary of the film’s release.
The movie will be shown in English with Italian subtitles, allowing fans to relive the adventures of Lightning McQueen and the unforgettable characters of Radiator Springs.
It is an event designed for the whole family, bringing an additional moment of entertainment to the heart of the season’s most eagerly awaited weekend and providing the perfect finale to a day whose main highlight will be the Grand Prix qualifying session.
Tomorrow will also feature a particularly special honour: the driver who secures pole position for the Italian Grand Prix will be presented with the Anello della Regina, an award supported and sponsored by the Lombardy Region and the Municipality of Monza. The ring is inspired by the Iron Crown, featuring elements recalling the chequered flag and the colours of the Italian flag, along with precious gemstones. It will be a unique piece, created exclusively for the event and personalised for the winner. So far, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen have had the honour of wearing it. Who will be next this year?
The celebration has only just begun. Tomorrow, with qualifying, the Temple of Speed will come alive once again.
TWENTY-TWO NEW TREES PLANTED IN MONZA. THE 2027 F1 SEASON TO BE UNVEILED IN MILAN
Green is taking an increasingly prominent role at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza with “One Driver, One Tree”, the project that, for the fourth consecutive year, combines a passion for motorsport with a commitment to environmental protection, sustainability and the enhancement of biodiversity. On the occasion of the 2026 Formula 1 Pirelli Italian Grand Prix, the “Bosco Bello” area of Monza Park, near the Ascari Chicane, is being enriched with 22 new plants, one for each driver competing in the Italian Grand Prix. This further expands the “Drivers’ Forest”, which symbolically links the protagonists of Formula 1 to the local area and its environmental vocation.
The initiative is promoted by the Automobile Club d’Italia and the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, with the support of the Forestry, Environmental and Agri-food Units Command of the Carabinieri Corps, and is part of the “A Tree for the Future” project, the Carabinieri’s national environmental education programme. It represents a further step in the process of institutional cooperation at both national and local level which, through collaboration with schools, public authorities and local organisations, has so far led to the planting of more than 50,000 trees and plants across Italy, including in locations that host major international motorsport events.
The 22 new plants for the “Drivers’ Forest” were supplied by the Carabinieri National Biodiversity Centre in Pieve Santo Stefano. The selection of species focused on native varieties capable of contributing to the creation of a resilient plant community able to withstand the effects of climate change and, over time, to strengthen biodiversity in the area. The tree species selected were Acer campestre, Quercus ilex, Quercus cerris and Fraxinus angustifolia; the shrub species were Viburnum opulus and Cornus sanguinea.
The tree-planting ceremony was attended by Automobile Club d’Italia President Geronimo La Russa, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, Mayor of Monza Paolo Pilotto, and Brigadier General and Commander of the Carabinieri Biodiversity Group Raffaele Pio Manicone.
F1 LIVE AT MILAN “This is an important achievement that we have worked towards and firmly believed in.” With these words, Automobile Club d’Italia President Geronimo La Russa commented on Formula 1’s announcement that it will organise the “F1 Live Milan” event in Milan from 18 to 20 February, featuring the presentation of the new season of the 2027 FIA Formula One World Championship.
“The decision,” explained the president of Italy’s motorsport governing body, “has a particular significance: Italy is the country that has hosted the highest number of Formula 1 Grands Prix in history, while Monza is the oldest circuit in the world still hosting rounds of the World Championship.”
“The work and capabilities of ACI,” added Geronimo La Russa, “which have once again been demonstrated during this weekend in Monza, therefore receive due recognition through this choice. In recent months, we have firmly believed in achieving this goal, and we will ensure the broadest possible cooperation for an event that carries particularly important significance for Italy and for our organisation.”
MONZA, THE GP GETS UNDERWAY IN ANTONELLI’S NAME AND VASSEUR. LA RUSSA: “IT WILL BE AN ITALIAN TRICOLOUR CELEBRATION”
The huge reception for Andrea Kimi Antonelli effectively marked the start of the 2026 Formula 1 Pirelli Italian Grand Prix, the 13th round of the World Championship. Thousands of people have already passed through the gates of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza for the opening of the Fanzone on Thursday afternoon, immediately creating an atmosphere charged with enthusiasm.
The main attraction was, of course, the bolognese Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver, who leads the World Championship and has had one of the Fanzone areas dedicated to him. Antonelli spent a long time with the fans, signing autographs, greeting the crowd and throwing caps into the stands.
A journey into Formula 1 history came when Antonelli climbed into the cockpit of the Mercedes W196 with which Juan Manuel Fangio won the 1954 World Championship. The legendary car was made available by MAUTO – the National Automobile Museum of Turin. It provided an ideal link between Mercedes’ glorious past and the present, represented by the young Italian talent.
Several of Italy’s rising stars who have come through the ACI Sport Federal School programme, from the Federal Supercourse to the various training activities undertaken since their karting days, also took to the Fanzone stage. Among them were Brando Badoer, Mattia Colnaghi, Matteo De Palo and Nicola Lacorte, all competing in Formula 3, as well as Gabriele Minì, one of the protagonists of Formula 2.
The day on stage was then brought to a close by Scuderia Ferrari HP Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur, who was greeted enthusiastically by the Monza crowd.
“Anticipation is growing, and the final preparations are also being completed for what promises to be a great celebration of Italian pride.” That was the message from Automobile Club d’Italia President Geronimo La Russa, who visited the Monza National Autodrome on Thursday afternoon ahead of the three-day Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend.
“We are expecting a record-breaking weekend,” said the president of Italy’s motorsport governing body, “with the Italian flag set to be more prominent than ever. We are expecting around 400,000 spectators, with all eyes on World Championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli and the Ferraris, which remain in the hearts of the fans at the Temple of Speed.”
The weekend’s programme will also feature a series of major events surrounding the race, including the Frecce Tricolori, the Italian national anthem performed by La Scala tenor Francesco Meli, and a show by Laura Pausini before the start.
“And, once again,” Geronimo La Russa added, “there will be the Frecce Tricolori, the Italian national anthem performed by La Scala tenor Francesco Meli, and Laura Pausini’s show before the start. Monza is therefore presenting itself in the best possible way for Italy’s biggest sporting event in terms of spectator numbers.”
Monza is ready. The celebration has already begun, but from tomorrow onwards, the track will take centre stage.