Monza’s F1 history unfolds in pictures, from Farina to Leclerc

A circuit that tells Formula 1’s story

As the Italian Grand Prix returns to Monza, a photographic archive captures the circuit’s place at the heart of Formula 1. Set in a royal park and known as the “cathedral of speed”, Monza has hosted more world championship races than any other venue. It has appeared on the calendar in every season but one since the championship began in 1950; the exception was 1980, when the circuit was being renovated.

Champions, close finishes and a dangerous past

Monza hosted the final race of the inaugural 1950 season, where Italian Giuseppe Farina won both the Grand Prix and the first drivers’ championship. He remains the only driver to claim the title in his home country. The circuit’s early years also brought together champions Juan Manuel Fangio and Alberto Ascari. In 1956, Fangio secured his fourth title after team-mate Peter Collins handed him his car during the race.

The old banking, used until 1961, features in images from the 1956 event. In later years, Monza’s fast layout produced dramatic slipstreaming battles: Jackie Stewart won a four-way fight in 1969 with the top finishers separated by less than two tenths of a second, while Peter Gethin prevailed in 1971 in a five-car finish decided by just six tenths.

The archive also recalls the sport’s severe risks. Wolfgang von Trips and 14 spectators died after a crash during the 1961 race. Jochen Rindt was killed in a practice accident in 1970 and became Formula 1’s only posthumous world champion. Ronnie Peterson died the morning after a multi-car crash at the 1978 Grand Prix, a race in which team-mate Mario Andretti secured the title.

Ferrari glory and modern drama

Monza’s bond with Ferrari and its tifosi runs through the decades. Ferrari took a home one-two in 1988, with Gerhard Berger leading Michele Alboreto, just weeks after the death of team founder Enzo Ferrari. Michael Schumacher’s 2000 victory became an important step toward the first of his five consecutive drivers’ titles with Ferrari.

The circuit has also staged defining moments beyond Ferrari celebrations. Mika Häkkinen spun out of the lead in 1999, but later beat Eddie Irvine to the championship. In 2021, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton collided at the first chicane; Verstappen’s car came to rest on Hamilton’s Mercedes, with the halo visible in the photograph of the incident.

Most recently in the archive, Charles Leclerc celebrates with the tifosi after winning in 2024, his second Monza victory following his 2019 success. From championship decisions to tragedy and home-team triumphs, the images underline why the circuit’s story remains inseparable from Formula 1’s.