Written by Owen Bradley
Formula One returns to the iconic Monza circuit in Italy, nicknamed the "Temple of Speed" for the 16th round in the championship. It hosts the F1 Italian Grand Prix and is a fan favourite circuit, and one which holds great potential for racing action, particularly with their newly refurbished kerbs. This article contains the F1 Italian Grand Prix session times throughout the weekend, and answers the question of where you can watch the racing action online.
The "Temple of Speed" - Monza
Monza is a circuit with extraordinarily long straights, tight and somewhat difficult chicanes as well as near flat-out corners, especially in the Ascari chicane at Turn 10, and at the beginning of the lap with Turn 3's long right-hander that is flat out.
The most popular overtaking zones will likely be at Turns 1 and 2, the chicane coming after the long home straight, with DRS (Drag Reduction System) also having an effect if a driver is within one second of the driver in front. The DRS flaps on the cars will also likely be far narrower this weekend in the attempt to be more aerodynamic.
If drivers are able to exit Turn 2, which tightens mid-corner, then they will likely run together all the way through the flat-out Turn 3 and down into the incredibly tight chicane of Turns 4 and 5. Therefore, the entire first sector of the track will be eye-catching and will likely host most of the action.
However, with a back straight after Turn 7, with another DRS zone for assistance, cars may just be able to draw alongside one another as we approach the Ascari chicane, with a fast left-hander of Turn 9 suiting the car who has the inside line. After the tight section of the Ascari chicane, drivers will then likely get behind one another as they go down a long back straight on the approach to Turn 12's Parabolica.
Most of the action will likely be seen on the straights and the chicanes, however with the tight nature of the chicanes, and those corners being approached at terminal velocity for these cars, it will be remarkably difficult to slow the car down during a battle, and we will therefore likely see a lot of mistakes from some of the more inexperienced drivers in the field.
Qualifying will also be thoroughly interesting to watch, as drivers understand that slipstream and a tow from another car is absolutely vital to secure track position, so we can expect to see frustrated drivers not wanting to give another driver a tow.
How will Franco Colapinto perform in his F1 debut with Williams?
The huge news that Williams Racing had dropped Logan Sargeant for the remainder of 2024 came as a bit of a shock, as the team decided to remove Sargeant just after the summer break, rather than during the break. However, this news would be usurped on shock factor, as Williams then announced Franco Colapinto would race for the team in the remaining nine races of the season.
All eyes will be on Franco Colapinto, who currently races in Formula 2, to perform. Nyck De Vries got his Formula One chance at the Italian Grand Prix in 2022 with Williams, and immediately impressed the paddock by finishing in the points.
Colapinto has got a lot of pressure on his young shoulders, and many people will be eager to see how he performs, and if he could potentially be a candidate to join a different Formula One team next season, with Williams already confirming their driver line-up for 2025.
Can McLaren capitalise and close to Red Bull even further?
McLaren have closed drastically to Red Bull in the Constructors championship, with both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris securing victories and podiums over the last few races. Lando Norris would win the Dutch Grand Prix ahead of Max Verstappen in dominant fashion, taking the victory over the Dutchman at home by over 20 seconds.
McLaren seemingly should be able to carry their momentum through for the remainder of the year, and have certainly proved themselves as a serious threat to Red Bull, not only in races, but now the overall championship.
McLaren last won at Monza in 2021, with a vastly inferior car to that of the Red Bull and Mercedes that season. Therefore, with a great track record at this very circuit with a slower car, the chances of taking victory may be higher than many people think, the other question being, which of the McLaren drivers will be the one to bring it home?
Monza's new Kerbs - for better or worse?
The Monza circuit has newly refurbished their kerbs, therefore removing the bumpier kerbs which used to eradicate any advantages of taking a tighter line. Now though, with flatter kerbs all around the circuit, we can expect drivers to find an extraordinary amount of time, likely in some sectors being able to find multiple tenths of a second.
However, this also could pose as an issue to track limits violations, and we could therefore be seeing the race results decided by how many times a driver extended the track limits, which is never a good thing for the sport, the drivers, or the FIA.
Owen's Predictions
I'm predicting that this race will be an extremely tough and hard fought duel between Red Bull and McLaren, with McLaren coming out on top. I think Oscar Piastri will be the one to bring the race home though, as Max Verstappen and Lando Norris are increasingly likely to make contact on what is quite a narrow circuit.
I'm also predicting that we get our first Safety Car in quite a few races, which will likely also shake up the pit stop strategies. Overall, I think Piastri will take his second F1 victory, from the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc and the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton.
F1 Italian Grand Prix - Session Times, UK Time used
Friday 30th August - - FP1: 12:30-13:30 - FP2: 16:00-17:00 Saturday 31st August - - FP3: 11:30-12:30 - Qualifying: 15:00-16:00
Sunday 1st September -
F1 Italian Grand Prix: 14:00 Race start.
F1 Italian Grand Prix - Where to Watch?
UK viewers can watch all the action on Sky Sports F1, or with NOW TV.
U.S viewers will be able to find the racing action on ESPN.
European and other global viewers can watch the Austrian Grand Prix on F1 TV.
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