Formula 3 - Monza

The Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy hosts the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship. This race takes place at one of motorsport's most famous venues. The circuit sits north of Milan and attracts fans from across Europe. Formula 3 drivers compete at this historic track, known for its high-speed layout and passionate Italian Tifosi supporters.

The Circuit at Monza

The Autodromo Nazionale Monza spans 5.793 kilometers and features long straights combined with fast corners. Built in 1922, this circuit stands as one of the oldest purpose-built racing tracks in the world. The track earned the nickname "Temple of Speed" because cars run at full throttle for approximately 80% of each lap. The circuit includes several notable sections: the sweeping Curva Grande, the challenging Curva di Lesmo corners, the Variante Ascari chicane, and Curva Alboreto.

The track sits within the Royal Villa of Monza park, one of Europe's largest enclosed parks. This location creates a unique setting where high-speed racing meets natural surroundings. Locals call the circuit "La Pista Magica," which translates to "The Magic Track." The remains of the old banked oval track are still visible today, offering a glimpse into the circuit's daring past.

Race Format for 2026

The F3 weekend follows the standard championship format. Teams participate in a 45-minute Free Practice session and a 30-minute Qualifying session. The qualifying results set the grid for the Feature Race. The Sprint Race uses a reversed grid of the top 12 qualifiers. The Feature Race serves as the main event. Points go to pole position, the top ten finishers in both races, and drivers who set the fastest lap while finishing in the top ten.

Teams and Drivers

Ten teams compete in the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship. The grid includes 16 rookies and 14 returning drivers. Campos Racing enters as the reigning Teams' Champions. The teams for 2026 are Campos Racing, Trident, MP Motorsport, ART Grand Prix, Van Amersfoort Racing, Rodin Motorsport, Prema Racing, Hitech TGR, AIX Racing, and DAMS Lucas Oil.

Notable Drivers

Campos Racing fields Théophile Naël, Ugo Ugochukwu, and Ernesto Rivera. Trident runs Noah Stromsted, Freddie Slater, and Matteo De Palo. MP Motorsport features Mattia Colnaghi, Tuukka Taponen, and Alessandro Giusti. ART Grand Prix has Taito Kato, Maciej Gladysz, and Kanato Le. Other teams include Van Amersfoort Racing with Hiyu Yamakoshi, Enzo Deligny, and Bruno del Pino, while Rodin Motorsport runs Pedro Clerot, Brando Badoer, and Christian Ho.

Technical Specifications

The FIA Formula 3 Championship uses a one-make format. All 30 cars share identical specifications. Each car uses a Dallara F3 2025 carbon-fiber monocoque chassis that meets FIA F3 2025 safety standards. The steel Halo provides driver protection. A Mecachrome 6-cylinder 3.4-liter naturally aspirated engine powers each car, producing 380 horsepower at 8000 rpm. The engine features a fly-by-wire throttle system.

The cars use a 6-speed longitudinal sequential gearbox with electro-hydraulic control via paddle-shifters. Pirelli supplies 16-inch dry slick and rain-treaded tires. Each car includes a Drag Reduction System (DRS) similar to Formula 1. The cars can reach a top speed of 300 kilometers per hour. The circuit's high-speed nature requires excellent braking stability and traction.

History of F3 at Monza

The Autodromo Nazionale Monza was constructed in 110 days during 1922. This makes it the oldest circuit in mainland Europe. Formula 3 evolved from post-war racing, and the modern FIA Formula 3 Championship launched in 2019. The series merged the GP3 Series and the FIA Formula 3 European Championship. Monza has appeared on the FIA F3 calendar since the championship began in 2019.

What Makes This Race Special

Racing at Monza offers a unique challenge for F3 drivers. The high-speed layout tests car setup and driver courage. The long straights put engine performance under scrutiny while the fast corners demand precision. The Italian fans create an atmosphere unlike any other venue. The circuit's history and character make it a favorite among drivers and teams.

The race weekend at Monza in Italy provides close competition across the field. The combination of the historic circuit and talented young drivers creates compelling racing. This event showcases the future stars of motorsport as they battle at one of racing's most respected venues.