The 2026 Formula 1 season will once again see the championship return to one of motorsport's most hallowed grounds — the Autodromo Nazionale Monza — for the Italian Grand Prix. Known affectionately as La Pista Magica, the legendary circuit nestled in the parkland just north-east of Milan will host its latest edition from September 4 to 6, 2026.

Race Weekend Schedule

The 2026 Italian Grand Prix weekend will follow the standard three-day format:

• September 4 (Friday) — Practice 1 & Practice 2
• September 5 (Saturday) — Practice 3 & Qualifying
• September 6 (Sunday) — Race

A Circuit Steeped in History

Constructed in just 110 days in 1922, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza was the world's third purpose-built race track, coming after Brooklands in the United Kingdom and Indianapolis in the United States. Like those two tracks, the original circuit featured a daunting series of banked curves, as well as much of the 'outfield' section that is still in use today.

Monza opened its doors on September 3, 1922 — just a week before it hosted that year's Italian Grand Prix. It was then part of the original Formula 1 calendar in 1950, and has held the Italian Grand Prix every year bar one since, making it one of the most enduring venues in the sport's history.

What Makes Monza Special?

The word that best describes Monza is rapido. McLaren driver Lando Norris recorded an astonishing 263km/h average speed during his 2024 pole lap, giving some idea of the circuit's ferocious pace. Cars are on full throttle for 80% of the lap, and hit their Vmax on the circuit's 1.1km start/finish straight. From there, they roar off into the historic park section, where a series of big stops into tight chicanes give the brakes a punishing workout.

Key Circuit Details

Where to Watch

The parkland setting of Monza makes for a relaxed, leafy backdrop for a Grand Prix, while the preserved Monza banking — visible in the background as the cars exit the Curva Alboreto (also known as the Parabolica), as well as on the flyover bridge they pass under en route to the Variante Ascari — leaves visitors in no doubt that they are in the presence of a very special race track.

For the best viewing experience, aim for the grandstand at the Variante del Rettifilo, where cars brake from around 350km/h to just 70km/h before negotiating the tight chicane. This is also one of the track's best overtaking spots and a magnet for first-lap tussles, making it the perfect place to witness the drama unfold.

Italian Hopes on the Rise

With rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli making waves in Formula 1, Italian fans will be hoping the young talent can end the nation's long title drought — which stretches back to 1953. The prospect of an Italian driver succeeding at Italy's most iconic circuit adds an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be another thrilling chapter in Monza's storied history.