Few circuits on the Formula One calendar can look back at a similar legacy like that of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza: Since the very first World Championship season in 1950, the venue is the indisputable home of the Italian Grand Prix, and the 2023 edition could see an impressive record being broken.
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Only once in its storied history has the Italian Grand Prix not been held at Monza as part of the F1 World Championship: Since 1950, the sole exception was the 1980 edition, which was held at Imola due to renovation work being carried out at the established home of the Gran Premio d'Italia. Nelson Piquet won in dominant fashion in his Brabham-BMW, eventually finishing the season as runner-up to Williams' Alan Jones.
The Italian Grand Prix returned to Monza the following year, and it has never left again since. Being Ferrari's home turf, the Tifosi usually show up in impressive numbers, and Charles Leclerc gave them their most recent home win in 2019 - but only three Italian drivers have ever managed to win the race as part of the World Championship, the most recent one being Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966, who fittingly did so in a Ferrari.
Leading into the race weekend, Mercedes announced that they would keep things consistent behind the wheels of their cars, confirming both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell to be on board throughout the next two seasons. The duo got off to a shaky start to the weekend on Friday, though, running only in ninth (Russell) and 17th (Hamilton) in the second free practice session.
After it recently emerged that F1's then-promoter Bernie Ecclestone knew about the Crashgate scandal that led to Fernando Alonso winning the race, Massa is challenging the outcome of the 2008 season, wanting the race's results to be annulled - which would make him the World Champion of that year.
Friday
Free Practice 1: 13.30 - 14.30 CEST
Free Practice 2: 17.00 - 18.00 CEST
Saturday
Free Practice 3: 12.30 - 13.30 CEST
Qualifying: 16.00 - 17.00 CEST
Sunday
Grand Prix: 15.00 CEST
Who is your pick to win the 2023 Italian Grand Prix? Let us know in the poll and in the comments below!
Image credit: Red Bull Content Pool/Getty Images
Only once in its storied history has the Italian Grand Prix not been held at Monza as part of the F1 World Championship: Since 1950, the sole exception was the 1980 edition, which was held at Imola due to renovation work being carried out at the established home of the Gran Premio d'Italia. Nelson Piquet won in dominant fashion in his Brabham-BMW, eventually finishing the season as runner-up to Williams' Alan Jones.
The Italian Grand Prix returned to Monza the following year, and it has never left again since. Being Ferrari's home turf, the Tifosi usually show up in impressive numbers, and Charles Leclerc gave them their most recent home win in 2019 - but only three Italian drivers have ever managed to win the race as part of the World Championship, the most recent one being Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966, who fittingly did so in a Ferrari.
Verstappen on Pace for Record
Almost 60 years later, there is no way around the only Dutchman to ever win the race: Championship leader Max Verstappen took to the top step of the podium im 2022, and if he manages to do so again in 2023, he will be the all-time leader in consecutive wins. Just last week, Verstappen had equaled Sebastian Vettel's 2013 record of nine wins in a row by being victorious in his home race at Zandvoort.Leading into the race weekend, Mercedes announced that they would keep things consistent behind the wheels of their cars, confirming both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell to be on board throughout the next two seasons. The duo got off to a shaky start to the weekend on Friday, though, running only in ninth (Russell) and 17th (Hamilton) in the second free practice session.
Massa Skips Monza
Another headline, this time of a more controversial nature, is that of Felipe Massa not attending the Italian GP as an F1 ambassador - a direct result of the legal actions the Brazilian is threatening over the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. In light of the current situation, Massa has chosen to go to Monza.After it recently emerged that F1's then-promoter Bernie Ecclestone knew about the Crashgate scandal that led to Fernando Alonso winning the race, Massa is challenging the outcome of the 2008 season, wanting the race's results to be annulled - which would make him the World Champion of that year.
The Italian Grand Prix Weather
After facing difficult conditions in the Netherlands, the teams and drivers look to be safe from more rain, according to the forecast. Instead, a warm and dry Sunday awaits at the temple of speed.2023 Italian Grand Prix Schedule
As usual, the 2023 Italian Grand Prix is available for live streaming via F1 TV in addition to the numerous broadcasts worldwide. Find the full weekend schedule below.Friday
Free Practice 1: 13.30 - 14.30 CEST
Free Practice 2: 17.00 - 18.00 CEST
Saturday
Free Practice 3: 12.30 - 13.30 CEST
Qualifying: 16.00 - 17.00 CEST
Sunday
Grand Prix: 15.00 CEST
Who is your pick to win the 2023 Italian Grand Prix? Let us know in the poll and in the comments below!