Formula 2 Preview: Monza

Written by Ellie Nicholls, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri

After a long summer break, it’s finally time for more Formula Two action as the series heads to Monza, the last race of this season’s European leg. Be sure not to miss what promises to be a weekend packed full of entertainment, excitement and great racing action at the Temple of Speed.

The iconic circuit has more than earned its nickname as the ‘Temple of Speed’ | Image credit: Formula Two

Despite its relatively simple design, Monza has remained one of motorsport's most iconic circuits since it first opened in 1922. Home of the Tifosi and surrounded by the remnants of the old banked circuit, the track is steeped in both history and passion for racing.

Throughout the century since the track was constructed, Monza has undergone several changes. Yet, what has remained consistent and made this circuit so iconic is the high-speed, high-octane racing that its fast corners, long straights and two DRS zones provide. 

The first chicane of any race at Monza is usually chaotic, as the long stretch from the starting grid allows the drivers to build up speed before they have to navigate the tight Rettifilo chicane. 

A series of sweeping corners, tight esses and long straights lead the drivers around the beautiful Italian parkland, before arriving at the circuit’s final and most iconic corner — Curva Alboreto, formerly known as Parabolica.

This weekend, it will be important for drivers to get a clean getaway at the start of the race — then keep their nerve as they face down the Temple of Speed at full throttle.

Over 80% of the circuit is taken at full throttle, presenting a unique challenge to young drivers | Image credit: Formula Two.

Taking on the iconic circuit last year, Campos driver Ralph Boschung started from reverse pole, but, thanks to a mistake going into the first corner, conceded the lead to the fast-starting Frederik Vesti. 

Victor Martins, who started sixth on the grid, had a similarly rapid start to the race, charging his way to second place before long. However, despite applying maximum pressure to Vesti after the safety car restart, Martins was unable to pass the Prema driver for the victory. Instead, the ART driver settled for second place ahead of Richard Verschoor, the Dutch driver rounding out the podium

Last year’s feature race also delivered plenty of racing action and chaos, with just 15 cars taking the chequered flag and a total of five safety cars across its 30 laps. The safety car periods also allowed those on the alternative strategy to gain an advantage, adding even more excitement to the race.

Championship leader Theo Pourchaire started from pole position but, just like Boschung, was overtaken by a Prema driver on the first lap of the race- this time, however, it was Vesti’s teammate Oliver Bearman taking the lead and ultimately going on to claim the victory in the team’s home race.

Despite missing out on the win and ultimately losing second place to Ayumu Iwasa, this was a crucial race for Pourchaire’s championship campaign. 

With the ART driver’s main title challenger Frederik Vesti out of the race after being forced off track — and therefore failing to score any points. This allowed Pourchaire to head into the final round of the 2023 season with a 25-point advantage.

Last year’s feature race was filled with chaos, resulting in five safety car periods | Image credit: Formula Two

It is a big weekend for none other than home hero Kimi Antonelli, as he is set to take part in Free Practice One for Mercedes alongside his Formula Two outing. The rapid rookie will be looking to recreate the success his team found last year, adding another win to his tally and, most importantly, proving himself worthy of a seat with Mercedes next year in Formula One.

The Formula 2 grid will bid goodbye to MP Motorsport’s Franco Colapinto, whose mid-season call-up to Williams leaves one MP Motorsport seat open. While the team in orange haven’t announced 

Isack Hadjar still leads the drivers’ championship with a comfortable 36-point lead over second-placed Gabriel Bortoleto — but could we see this all change out in Monza? 

Bortoleto’s recent performance has been particularly strong, and the Brazilian driver will be looking to keep up this form. Third and fourth in the standings, Paul Aron and Zane Maloney will also be searching for a good result this weekend to reignite their championship hopes.

Time and time again it has been proven that anything can happen out in Monza — so make sure to tune in to the unmissable return of Formula 2 action this weekend at the iconic Temple of Speed.