Kimi Antonelli aims to make history as the first Italian to win at Monza since 1966, but he faces a tough challenge starting from the back of the grid. Meanwhile, Ferrari seeks redemption on home soil, and a resurgent Lando Norris chases a third consecutive victory.
Race | Italian Grand Prix |
Venue | Autodromo Nazionale Monza |
Date | September 6, 2026 |
Time | 9:00 AM EST |
Where to Watch | Apple TV |
Sixty years after Ludovico Scarfiotti's historic victory for Ferrari at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza in 1966, another Italian has a chance to stand on the top step of the podium. All eyes are on rising star and current championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who faces another date with destiny.
However, Antonelli's path to victory is fraught with difficulty. Driving for Mercedes, he will start from the back of the grid due to a power unit replacement, making a win a monumental task. A victory would not only be a remarkable sporting achievement but also crucial for halting the momentum of reigning champion Lando Norris. The McLaren driver, fresh off two straight wins, has closed the gap in the standings, though he still trails Antonelli by 83 points (242 to 159).
Closer in the championship fight are Antonelli's teammate George Russell and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, both tied at 183 points. Russell will also start from the rear, but Hamilton will be one to watch. The seven-time world champion is eager for a comeback after three consecutive races off the podium, and he'll be driving for a Ferrari team desperate for a strong result at home.
At Monza, the legendary "Temple of Speed," attention will naturally turn to the other Ferrari of Charles Leclerc (155 points), who sees this as a final opportunity to stay in the world championship hunt. The situation is different for Max Verstappen (112 points). The Dutchman, who recently renewed his contract with Red Bull, appears to be out of the title race but could still shine on a track where he has won three of the last four editions.
An interesting factor to consider is that while Mercedes has often dominated Saturday qualifying, pole position is less critical at Monza. The track's long straights make overtaking easier, and the slipstream effect, especially in the opening laps, is often decisive. This means that despite their heavy grid penalties, both Antonelli and Russell have a genuine chance to pull off a stunning comeback.
Italian Grand Prix Schedule
Friday, September 4 | Free Practice 1: 6:30 AM EST |
Saturday, September 5 | Free Practice 3: 6:30 AM EST |
Sunday, September 6 | Race: 9:00 AM EST |
How to Watch the Italian Grand Prix in the USA
Fans in the United States can watch the Italian Grand Prix on Apple TV.
Streaming will be available on F1 TV Pro.
Monza Circuit Characteristics
The Monza circuit measures 5.793 kilometers (~3.6 miles) in length, with a track width varying between 10 and 12 meters. Drivers navigate 11 corners on a layout defined by its incredibly long straights, broken up by chicanes and slow-speed turns, earning it the nickname "Temple of Speed."
The famous pit straight is where cars reach staggering top speeds of around 230 mph. This is followed by a massive braking zone, forcing cars to decelerate to just 45-50 mph for the tight first chicane (Variante del Rettifilo). Another key section is the Variante della Roggia, where cars exceed 205 mph before another sharp braking event.
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