G. LA RUSSA: SUNDAY RACE SOLD OUT

Milan, 6 July 2026 – “Sport, art and culture come together to share the excitement of the Temple of Speed in the Temple of Opera.” These words opened the press conference presenting the initiatives connected with the 2026 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix, scheduled to take place at the Monza Circuit from 4 to 6 September.

The event was hosted by La Scala Theatre in Milan, “a combination,” explained Geronimo La Russa, President of the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI), organiser of the event, “that could not have been more fitting: two of Italy’s most internationally admired institutions united in celebrating our national pride.”

Turning to the sporting side of the event, President La Russa announced that tickets for Sunday’s race have officially sold out.

The press conference, held in the Arturo Toscanini Foyer, was attended by Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of Milan and President of the La Scala Theatre Foundation; Fortunato Ortombina, Superintendent of La Scala; and Francesca Caruso, Lombardy Regional Councillor for Culture. Joining via video link were Andrea Abodi, Italy’s Minister for Sport and Youth, and Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula One Group.

The artistic highlights of the presentation featured Marco Lodola, creator of the official 2026 Italian Grand Prix poster—an original work inspired by Futurism and the energy of motorsport—and internationally acclaimed tenor Francesco Meli, who will perform the Italian National Anthem before the race, following his acclaimed appearance in 2024.

Geronimo La Russa: “The Poster and the National Anthem Are Historic and Cultural Symbols of the Italian Grand Prix”

ACI President Geronimo La Russa said: “The Italian Grand Prix poster is a genuine work of art and has historically been one of the defining elements of this event. Looking at this image immediately brings to mind the great Futurist masters and their celebration of the automobile, engines, speed and the extraordinary energy they convey.

Just like the poster, another essential tradition of the Italian Grand Prix is the performance of the Italian National Anthem shortly before the start of the race. This further strengthens the connection between the Temple of Speed and La Scala Theatre, as the anthem will be performed by Maestro Francesco Meli, one of today’s leading international tenors and a regular, highly acclaimed performer on the La Scala stage.”

Marco Lodola: “Speed and Energy for a Unique Artistic Challenge”

Artist Marco Lodola commented: “When I was invited to create this work, in collaboration with Deodato Arte Milano and Sergio Pappalettera’s ProDesign studio, I immediately accepted because it represented a truly unique and original challenge. It allowed me to immerse myself in the fascinating world of automobiles and motorsport, a world that has shaped modern history.

For the 2026 Italian Grand Prix poster I drew inspiration from the great Futurist artists, who were the first to place the automobile at the centre of their artistic vision. I adopted their use of colour and perspective to express the concepts of speed and energy. For Marinetti and Boccioni, to mention just two of the movement’s greatest figures, the automobile symbolised modernity and dynamism. Those same ideas, colours and sense of power are what I sought to convey in the artwork unveiled today.”

Francesco Meli: “A Great Honour to Perform at Such an Important Moment”

Tenor Francesco Meli said: “It is a real pleasure to return to Monza and open the Italian Grand Prix once again. Having the opportunity to do so twice is something very special. Performing the Italian National Anthem at an event of such international prestige fills me with pride. The circuit and its extraordinary fans create an atmosphere unlike any other, and I am certain that 6 September will once again be a wonderful celebration of sport.”

The 97th Italian Grand Prix Takes Place from 4 to 6 September

History, speed, courage and adrenaline: for more than a century, the Monza Circuit has been one of Formula 1’s most iconic venues, and this September it will host the 97th edition of the Italian Grand Prix.

With the current championship producing an exciting title battle, fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome at Monza. Last year the race was won by Max Verstappen for Red Bull, while in 2024 Charles Leclerc delighted Ferrari supporters with a memorable victory. Verstappen had also claimed victory in both 2023 and 2022.

ACI – Automobile Club d’Italia
Press Office
Tel. +39 06 4540 6723
ufficio.stampa@aci.it