The Monza Circuit is the second oldest permanent circuit in use today on the F1 calendar. It’s the historic home of the Italian Grand Prix, having hosted the race every year bar one since 1950. It’s located in the scenic setting of the Parco di Monza, one of the biggest historic parks in Europe.

Features of the Monza race track

Construction of the Autodromo dates back to 1922 and today, its very long straights are broken up by chicanes and slow corners, which requires a unique set-up on the cars, when compared to other tracks on the calendar. The layout means cars run with minimal downforce, but at the same time they need to have a well balanced aerodynamic package to generate enough downforce under braking.

Therefore, the suspension systems are particularly important at this track, as this is the part of the car that has to deal with allowing it to ride the kerbs, without getting out of shape.

It will be a hard race for the engines, when you consider that the power unit will be called on to use all its potential for 71% of the lap – no wonder Monza is known as the temple of speed. The engine must deliver good traction for exiting the chicanes. As for the hybrid component, the lack of much heavy braking means that there are few energy recovery opportunities, but that can be made up for with the MGU-H recovering energy from the turbo waste gases.

The Monza Circuit is the home race for the Italian teams. Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton jointly hold the record for wins with five each, while Ferrari is still the dominant team, over the years laying claim to no fewer than 19 wins.