Formula One concludes their latest triple-header with a trip to Monza aka Temple of Speed for the 2021 Italian Grand Prix.
Following an electrifying return to Zandvoort, Netherlands, for the Dutch GP last weekend, F1 now faces an almighty different challenge as they head to Monza with Max Verstappen leading the championship by three points from Lewis Hamilton.
Alfa Romeo, AlphaTauri and Ferrari meanwhile will be looking to impress at their home race, with Alfa’s Antonio Giovinazzi also looking to deliver a strong home result as he fights to retain his seat in F1 beyond this season.
Now here is everything that you need to know about the 2021 Italian Grand Prix.
Track Guide
Circuit: Autodromo Nazionale Monza
Laps: 53
Race Distance: 306.720km
Tyre Compounds: C2, C3 & C4
Schedule
| Date | Session | Time (BST) |
| Friday 10 September 2021 | FP1 | 1:30pm |
| Friday 10 September 2021 | Qualifying | 5:00pm |
| Saturday 11 September 2021 | FP2 | 11:00am |
| Saturday 11 September 2021 | Qualifying | 3:30pm |
| Sunday 12 September 2021 | Race | 2:00pm |
Six Key Pointers
- With Monza often requiring very little downforce, teams normally bring an unique aerodynamics package exclusively for this race but expect few teams to do so with focus now shifting to 2022.
- Mercedes will be focused on trying to find more performance after struggling to match Red Bull throughout last weekend at Zandvoort and especially on race pace.
- Given that Monza has been Red Bull’s bogey circuit in this hybrid era with no podiums, I can see Max Verstappen taking a fourth power unit here given the easy ability to overtake around this track.
- With Ferrari targeting additional development in their power units, Monza will be an ideal time to deliver an upgrade to boost their prospects of a strong result in front of home fans.
- Slipstream and tow effects will be crucial in Qualifying for all teams to maximise their chances so expect traffic to be an issue heading towards the Parabolica.
- Sprint Qualifying could well provide the opportunity for a proper mixed grid given the overtaking potential plus the risk of various incidents on the opening lap.
Last Time Out
Pierre Gasly benefitted from a rare error of judgement by Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton to snatch victory in a crazy Italian GP in 2020, as he fought off Carlos Sainz’s fierce charge to secure his maiden win in F1 by just 0.415 seconds.
Last year’s race was also notable for a near 30 minute red flag after Charles Leclerc spun off at the Parabolica on lap 24, much to the disappointment of Ferrari fans who were absent and watching on TV Screens around the world due to the event being held behind-closed-doors.
Race Recaps
If missed any of the 13 previous rounds of the 2021 season, please click on the links below to catch up on the missed action.
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