About Autodromo Nazionale Monza
The Autodromo Nazionale Monza stands near Milan, Italy, as one of motorsport's most legendary venues. Built in 1922, it earned the nickname "The Temple of Speed" for good reason. This circuit is the third purpose-built motor racing track ever constructed, following Brooklands and Indianapolis. It holds the distinction of being the oldest permanent racing circuit on mainland Europe. The track has hosted the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix almost every year since 1949, missing only 1980 when the race moved to Imola.
Construction and Early History
Workers completed the Autodromo Nazionale Monza in just 110 days during 1922. The first race took place on September 3, 1922. The original design combined a road course with a high-speed oval track. Monza joined the Formula 1 calendar from its first season in 1950. The high-speed oval section was used for the Italian Grand Prix in 1955, 1956, 1960, and 1961. Over the decades, the circuit underwent multiple revisions to improve safety standards, particularly after fatal accidents occurred.
Track Layout and Technical Data
The modern circuit measures 5.793 kilometers (3.600 miles) in length. It runs clockwise and features 11 turns. The track width varies between 10 meters at its narrowest points and 12 meters at its widest sections. Cars reach speeds over 340 km/h (210 mph) on the long straights. The average speed during a lap sits at approximately 250 km/h (155 mph). Drivers operate at full throttle for 67-70% of each lap, making it the fastest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar. Each lap requires 46 gear changes. Teams configure their cars with very low downforce levels to maximize straight-line speed. The total race distance covers 306.72 kilometers. Max Verstappen holds the lap record of 1:18.792, set in 2025.
Key Circuit Sections
The Variante del Rettifilo opens the lap as a tight right-left chicane. Drivers brake from speeds exceeding 340 km/h to near-standstill velocities. Curva Grande follows as a long, fast right-hand sweep that modern F1 cars take at full throttle. The Variante della Roggia presents another chicane requiring precise braking. The Curve di Lesmo consists of two right-hand corners (Lesmo 1 and Lesmo 2) that demand careful balance between speed and control. The Variante Ascari offers a challenging chicane complex. The lap concludes with Curva Alboreto, formerly known as Curva Parabolica, a long, high-speed final corner that tests driver courage and precision.
Racing Events and Records
Monza hosts multiple prestigious racing series. The Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix remains the flagship event, contracted through 2031. Other events include GT World Challenge Europe, TCR World Tour, Superbike World Championship, and ACI Rally Monza. The venue also welcomes non-motorsport events like the Monza 12h Cycling Marathon and Monza 21 Half Marathon. The closest finish in Formula 1 history occurred here in 1971 when Peter Gethin won by 0.01 seconds. Lewis Hamilton set Formula 1's fastest average speed during qualifying in 2020.
Atmosphere and Safety
The passionate Italian fans, known as "Tifosi," create an electric atmosphere, especially when Ferrari competes. However, Monza has a serious safety record, with 52 drivers and 35 spectators having lost their lives over the years. This makes it one of the most dangerous circuits in Formula 1 history. Modern safety improvements continue to address these concerns while preserving the track's high-speed character.
