Formula 1 heads to Monza this weekend for Round 13 of the 2026 season, with the Italian Grand Prix bringing together several of the biggest storylines of the championship.
Mercedes has controlled much of the season so far, with Italian youngster Kimi Antonelli leading the Drivers’ Championship. But Ferrari will have the support of the Tifosi at its home race, while McLaren arrives after Lando Norris won the last two Grands Prix in Hungary and the Netherlands.
For Antonelli, however, his home race comes with an unusual challenge. The championship leader will start from the back of the grid after Mercedes fitted a new engine, meaning he will have to fight his way through the field if he is to limit the points he loses on Sunday.
Antonelli takes engine penalty at home
Monza should have been a special weekend for Kimi Antonelli, who arrives at his home Grand Prix at the top of the championship. Instead, the Italian will start from the back of the grid after taking an engine penalty, a decision he made together with Mercedes because they considered Monza the best place to take it.
Antonelli has won six races this season, and Monza gives him a chance to recover positions on a circuit where its long straights and braking zones can create opportunities for overtaking.
The task will still be difficult. Starting from the back means Antonelli will have to make his way through a competitive field while trying to score enough points to keep his advantage intact.
Ferrari looks to make the most of its home race
Monza is a particularly important weekend for Ferrari, not only because it is the team’s home race, but also because it offers a chance to close the gap in both championships. Ferrari has been one of the leading teams this season and will be looking for a victory in front of the Tifosi, although Mercedes’ strong season and McLaren’s recent improvement make the task difficult.
Charles Leclerc has already won at Monza twice, in 2019 and 2024, while Lewis Hamilton, who shares the record for the most wins at the circuit with Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher at five, arrives in an important position in the championship fight. A strong result would give Hamilton a chance to reduce the gap to Antonelli while also helping Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship.
Ferrari will also be looking to cut into Mercedes’ lead in the team standings. With Leclerc and Hamilton both capable of scoring heavily, a victory or a strong points haul would give the Scuderia an opportunity to put more pressure on its main rival.
Ferrari will also mark the occasion with a special livery paying tribute to Michael Schumacher. The design celebrates 30 years since the German joined Ferrari in 1996, as well as his five Monza victories with the team.
McLaren brings Norris’ title defense back into the picture
McLaren arrives at Monza with Lando Norris in a much stronger position than he was a few races ago. The defending world champion has won the last two Grands Prix in Hungary and the Netherlands, taking his tally to 159 points and moving within 24 points of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, who are tied on 183.
Norris is still some distance behind Antonelli in the championship, but his recent results have changed the picture behind the leader. McLaren has also shown more pace in recent races and is now putting more pressure on Mercedes and Ferrari at the front.
Monza will provide a different test from the circuits where Norris took his latest victories. Its long straights and low-downforce setup requirements will put a different set of demands on the cars, and McLaren will be looking to show that its recent progress can continue.
Norris recently extended his contract with McLaren through 2030, keeping the defending world champion with the team for the coming seasons. He will now arrive at Monza looking to continue a run that has brought him back into the fight near the top of the standings.
Why Monza is different
Monza is one of the fastest circuits on the Formula 1 calendar, with long straights and heavy braking zones that make top speed and efficient cars especially important. Teams also run less downforce here than at most circuits, making straight-line speed a key part of the weekend.
The 5.793-kilometre track has 11 corners and will host a 53-lap race over 306.72 kilometers. Monza has been part of the Formula 1 calendar since the championship began in 1950, with the exception of the 1980 Italian Grand Prix when the circuit underwent infrastructure work.
The race also has a tradition that sets Monza apart. Once the chequered flag falls, the Tifosi usually make their way onto the track to celebrate with the drivers, making the end of the Italian Grand Prix one of the most recognizable moments of the season.
The championship picture
Mercedes arrives at Monza with a clear advantage in both championships. Antonelli leads the Drivers’ standings with 242 points, 59 ahead of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who are tied on 183. Norris is fourth on 159, followed by Charles Leclerc on 155.
The Constructors’ Championship is also in Mercedes’ favor, with the team holding an 87-point lead over Ferrari. McLaren is also trying to close the gap after its recent improvement, leaving all three teams with plenty to fight for at Monza.
For Antonelli, the goal is to come away with enough points to protect his lead despite starting from the back. For Ferrari, a strong home result could help close the gap in both championships, while McLaren will want to keep Norris’ title challenge moving in the right direction.
Italian Grand Prix schedule (Moroccan time)
Friday, September 4
Free Practice One: 11:30 - 12:30.
Free Practice Two: 15:00 - 16:00.
Saturday, September 5
Free Practice Three: 11:30 - 12:30.
Qualifying: 15:00 - 16:00.
Sunday, September 6
The Grand Prix race: 14:00.
