Monza follows Monaco in extending

The Italian Grand Prix will remain on the Formula 1 calendar until 2031 after a new six-year extension was agreed. The deal for Monza - the oldest track on the calendar - follows a similar agreement struck by the Principality of Monaco in recent weeks. Improvements were made at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza ahead of this year’s race to modernise the historic track.

History of Monza

Located north-east of Milan, the circuit was built in 1922 and has hosted a Grand Prix every year since the inaugural World Championship in 1950—barring 1980 when it closed for renovations. The 3.6-mile circuit is one of the fastest in Formula 1, with drivers pressing the throttle for 80% of the lap. The Italian Grand Prix in 2020 produced the fastest average speed lap from Lewis Hamilton, who managed a qualifying lap of 1m 18.887 seconds, with an average speed of 164.2mph.

Previous winners at the Temple of Speed

Previous winners of the race still plying their trade in Formula 1 include Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Pierre Gasly, Max Verstappen and most recent winner, Charles Leclerc.

The current crop join legendary race winners at Monza from the more distant past, including Alberto Ascari, Juan Manuel Fangio, Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, and Michael Schumacher.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “The recent upgrades to the circuit’s infrastructure and the planned investment show a strong commitment to the long-term future of Formula 1 in Italy, and I want to thank the President of the Automobile Club d’Italia, the Italian Government, and the Lombardy Region for their continued passion and commitment to our sport. I also want to pay tribute to our incredible fans across the country who support Formula 1 so passionately.”

Angelo Sticchi Damiani, President of the Automobile Club d’Italia, said: “We are all aware that history is no longer enough. Following the resurfacing of the track and underpasses to improve the safety on track and for the fans, we are now faced with a new challenge in 2025: improving the quality and quantity of hospitality offerings. With this goal in mind, we are already working to keep ahead of the standards required by modern Formula 1.”

The 2025 Italian Grand Prix at Monza will take place from 5-7 September 2025.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Ferrari