|
TIt is
Pirelli’s home race and one of the most cherished events on the Formula 1
calendar, thanks to the passion of the fans and the rich history of the
circuit that hosts it. Next weekend, the Formula 1 Pirelli Gran Premio
d’Italia 2026, now in its 77th edition, will take place at Monza.
Pirelli’s connection with the Temple of Speed, Europe’s most historic racing
circuit, extends far beyond the proximity between the Italian company’s
headquarters and the autodrome. It is also rooted in the many victories
achieved on Pirelli tyres at Monza. Among them is Pietro Bordino’s win in a
Fiat 804 at the Grand Prix that inaugurated the newly built circuit on 10
September 1922.
Pirelli will be the Title Sponsor of the race weekend
and will celebrate its relationship with the Italian Grand Prix through the
trophy, created by an Italian artistic duo, which will be lifted by the top
three finishers in Sunday’s race, as well as through a special edition of
the podium caps.
At Monza, the three softest compounds in the range
will be in use: the C3 as Hard, the C4 as Medium and the C5 as Soft. On
paper, all three options could play a role in shaping Sunday’s race
strategies, provided temperatures are not excessively high.
The 5.793
km circuit, featuring 11 corners, is one of the fastest on the Formula 1
calendar, thanks in part to its long straights which, this year, will
present an additional challenge for energy management with the new power
units. Team simulations are in fact predicting lap times around two seconds
quicker than last year.
From a tyre perspective, the front axle
should be subjected to lower braking loads, as braking zones are likely to
be approached at reduced speeds. By contrast, the rear axle will face
greater demands during traction phases, when the full power of the power
unit is deployed.
Braking stability and traction on corner exit,
particularly at the First Chicane and Ascari, will be the two key factors in
gaining an advantage over rivals on a track that is typically run with a
low-downforce aerodynamic set-up, prioritising top speed.
The circuit
generally offers a good level of grip from the opening sessions. No
significant modifications have been made since the complete resurfacing
carried out in 2024, when a relatively smooth asphalt mixture was laid. This
year, the kerbs at Turns 1, 4 and 8 have been rebuilt, while at Turn 5 a
gravel area has been replaced with an asphalt run-off section.
Drivers will likely have to manage rear axle overheating during the race,
but degradation should not be severe enough to compromise tyre performance.
As a result, a one-stop strategy appears the most likely option for Sunday,
despite the fact that overtaking opportunities are far from scarce at Monza.
In
2025
For the opening stint, most drivers opted for the Medium
compound. Five chose the Hard, while only one started on the Soft. The
red-banded tyre reappeared towards the end of the race, with several drivers
fitting it for the final laps following their sole pit stop. That was the
case for Norris and Piastri, who finished second and third after starting on
the Medium. Verstappen, last year’s winner, completed the race using the
Medium-Hard combination.
Statistics
This is the 77th edition of the Italian Grand Prix, one of the
longest-running races on the Formula 1 calendar. It has been held at Monza
on every occasion except one, when it took place at Imola. The drivers with
the most victories are Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, with five wins
apiece, while Ferrari is the most successful team with 20 victories.
Hamilton also holds the records for both pole positions at Monza (seven) and
fastest laps (seven). Among the current drivers, Pierre Gasly claimed his
maiden Formula 1 victory at the Temple of Speed, winning the 2020 Italian
Grand Prix at the wheel of an AlphaTauri and delivering the team's first
success under its new name. |
