Daily News 19

Tag: 2026 Italian Grand Prix

  • 7 Overlooked Moments at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix

    7 Overlooked Moments at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix

    Vettel Honors Schumacher with F2002 Demonstration at Monza

    Thirty years after Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari debut, the Temple of Speed hosted a poignant tribute from another German great. Ahead of Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel — who raced for the Scuderia from 2015 to 2020 — piloted Schumacher’s championship-winning Ferrari F2002 around Monza in front of the Tifosi. The F2002, one of Ferrari’s most successful cars with 15 victories across the 2002 and 2003 seasons, turned heads with the unmistakable scream of its V10 engine. “There is still a race to win, for my friend Michael,” Vettel wrote on social media.

    Tifosi Paint Piazza Del Duomo Red

    Nothing captures Italian Grand Prix weekend quite like a Piazza Del Duomo in Milan overflowing with Ferrari fans. Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and special guests entertained the crowd on a sunny afternoon. South Korean DJ Peggy Gou headlined the musical entertainment, and Leclerc even tried his hand at spinning the decks — though the two-time Italian GP winner might be better off sticking to driving. Hamilton chose to share the moment with his mother, Linda, who received one of the loudest cheers of the day and a true Tifosi welcome.

    The seven-time World Champion explained the significance of her visit: “And my mum’s here this weekend because she’s never experienced — she’s never actually, I don’t think, been to Monza — but also particularly on a Ferrari weekend. And I wanted her to experience that and, you know, bring any of the lucky dust she can bring.”

    Sainz Shines on the Venice Red Carpet

    Carlos Sainz swapped his race suit for Giorgio Armani elegance at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. The Williams driver looked perfectly at home on the red carpet for the premiere of Danny Boyle’s new film Ink, accompanied by his partner Rebecca Donaldson.

    Lightning McQueen Celebrates 20 Years at the Temple of Speed

    Disney-Pixar’s Cars turns 20 this year, and the seven-time Piston Cup champion Lightning McQueen made a special appearance at Monza. While the iconic movie car didn’t race, the Safety Car wore a commemorative livery marking the anniversary. For drivers like Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto, meeting their childhood hero in the paddock was a dream come true.

    Antonelli’s Helmet Pays Homage to Valentino Rossi

    Home hero Kimi Antonelli arrived at Monza leading the drivers’ standings and marked the occasion with a bespoke helmet design inspired by Italian MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi. The livery echoes the helmet Rossi wore at the 2002 Mugello Grand Prix, featuring the Italian flag, vignettes of daily life — an espresso cup, a slice of pizza — the sun, the sea, a family, and at the rear, two cartoon figures representing Antonelli and Rossi.

    Antonelli Enters the Disney Universe as Kimi Paperelli

    In a unique career milestone, a cartoon version of Antonelli — Kimi Paperelli — debuted in Topolino magazine this weekend, placing the Italian driver in the world of Duckburg. Joss Hastings, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Disney Consumer Products, explained the collaboration: “Fuel the Magic is all about bringing Disney storytelling into the world of Formula 1 in unexpected and creative ways. Seeing Kimi become Kimi Paperelli is especially meaningful knowing that he grew up reading Topolino and loving Donald Duck.”

    Barilla Transforms the Grid into a Dining Room

    Continuing an Italian tradition, F1’s Official Pasta Partner Barilla brought the Formula 1 family together for a special pre-race dinner. The starting grid was transformed into a unique dining room with an F1-inspired three-course menu, each course presented as a different ‘lap’. Few dinner reservations offer a view quite like the Monza grid.

  • Pirelli Unveils Unique Trophies for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix

    Pirelli Unveils Unique Trophies for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix

    Pirelli has unveiled the trophies for this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, continuing its multi-year collaboration with the Pirelli HangarBicocca Museum of Contemporary Art, now entering its sixth year.

    Designed by Italian artist duo Vedovamazzei, comprising Stella Scala and Simeone Crispino, the trophies are titled “FRAGILE”. They were created using 3D-printed nylon powder and are shaped to resemble an unstable stack of small bowls and cups.

    The artists said the design draws inspiration from the tradition of passing a celebratory glass from one person to another.

    Fans react to Pirelli’s unusual Italian GP trophies

    The unconventional design has prompted a mixed reaction among fans. “I get what they are trying to do but it doesn’t seem appropriate for a trophy. Seems like something that might belong in a modern art museum,” one fan commented on Reddit.

    “Love em. Pretty creative. I know I’m in the minority but I like those artful trophies as long as they still resemble trophies in essence. And these do, they look great,” another fan wrote. A third added: “As a designer, I love them! But maybe cause I’m a designer.”

    Others joked that the fragile-looking trophies could be at risk around Lando Norris, recalling the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix. During the podium celebrations, the McLaren driver accidentally knocked Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s winner’s trophy over, breaking it.

    “I hope Lando wins, but please keep him away from these lol,” one fan wrote. Another commented: “That’s the most Lando-breakable trophy yet… they better be praying that he doesn’t make the podium.”

    Further reactions included: “Better make spares in case Lando gets on the podium,” and “Lando will break at least one.”

    The Italian Grand Prix will be held at Monza from 4-6 September. Home driver Kimi Antonelli enters the weekend 59 points clear of his Mercedes team-mate George Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who are level on points.

  • 5 Storylines to Watch Ahead of the 2026 Italian Grand Prix

    5 Storylines to Watch Ahead of the 2026 Italian Grand Prix

    The second half of the Formula 1 season is now fully underway, with the final two European rounds forming a double-header that begins in Italy. McLaren have rediscovered their form, while Ferrari’s home support will ensure plenty of attention when the paddock arrives at Monza.

    Antonelli set for a home-race penalty

    Ferrari traditionally receive enormous support at Monza, but Italian fans may feel divided this weekend as Kimi Antonelli arrives at his home Grand Prix as the championship leader.

    Twelve months ago, it would have been a surprise to predict that Antonelli would hold a 59-point advantage in the standings during only his second Formula 1 season, even with Mercedes expected to produce a championship-contending car.

    However, Mercedes are continuing to focus on the best approach to the season as a whole rather than prioritising individual races. As a result, Antonelli faces a difficult challenge to win at Monza because of a planned power unit penalty.

    Reliability concerns have convinced Mercedes that both cars will need to take a penalty at some point before the end of the season. The team could also upgrade its power unit through the FIA’s Advanced Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) mechanism.

    Whether or not Mercedes introduces a new specification at Monza, the team has confirmed that Antonelli will take a complete new power unit and start near the back of the grid.

    “With Kimi, we’re taking the full thing,” Toto Wolff said in Zandvoort. “Our calculations say that that’s the best track to take it. Obviously, algorithms don’t take their nationality into consideration. We’re here to fight for a championship and not get the most PR.”

    Red Bull’s driver situation

    The summer shutdown ended with an unexpected, although temporary, change to Red Bull’s driver line-up after Isack Hadjar injured his wrist before the Dutch Grand Prix and was ruled out of the weekend at Zandvoort.

    Liam Lawson was promoted to replace him and impressed despite having limited practice running during the Sprint weekend. By Saturday’s qualifying session, Lawson had closed in on Max Verstappen and earned a place alongside his team-mate on the fourth row. He then produced a solid drive to seventh, finishing behind the McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari cars.

    With Lawson at Red Bull, Yuki Tsunoda returned to Racing Bulls and also enjoyed a strong weekend, narrowly missing out on points. Both drivers therefore proved capable replacements while Hadjar continues his recovery.

    Hadjar’s availability for Monza has not yet been confirmed. If he is unable to return, Red Bull are expected to retain the Zandvoort line-ups, giving Lawson and Tsunoda another opportunity to impress. Monza presents a very different circuit challenge, but the drivers would have three practice sessions to build on their previous experience.

    Stability in the Formula 1 driver market

    Three driver contracts were confirmed before the Dutch Grand Prix, suggesting there may be little movement across the Formula 1 grid in 2027.

    Alex Albon was the first to confirm that he would remain with Williams. His team-mate Carlos Sainz soon followed by committing his future to the team, ensuring James Vowles will have an unchanged driver line-up to work with next year.

    Max Verstappen then extended his Red Bull contract until at least the end of 2030. The Dutchman reaffirmed his intention to complete his entire career with the team.

    Since the Dutch Grand Prix, Franco Colapinto has also been confirmed for another season at Alpine alongside Pierre Gasly after a strong campaign earned him a contract extension.

    So far, the confirmed moves have all involved extensions and renewals. Lando Norris and McLaren have also committed to a long-term partnership, indicating that the driver market has stabilised this year.

    Aston Martin remain a team to watch because Fernando Alonso has yet to announce his plans for 2027. There could also be movement at Haas and Racing Bulls.

    Ollie Bearman is expected to continue with Haas, while Esteban Ocon’s recent form shows he is doing everything possible to remain alongside him. Both seats, however, are still officially available.

    Although no announcement has been made, it would be a major surprise if Isack Hadjar and Arvid Lindblad did not retain their seats at Red Bull and Racing Bulls respectively. Lawson’s substitute appearance has also kept him in contention for another season, despite the emergence of Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov.

    The Tifosi prepare for Ferrari’s home race

    Kimi Antonelli may lead the Drivers’ Championship, but Monza is still expected to be transformed into a sea of red as the Tifosi turn out in force.

    McLaren have won the past two races, yet Ferrari have been Mercedes’ closest average challenger this season. Lewis Hamilton is joint-second in the standings, 59 points behind Antonelli.

    Antonelli’s expected penalty should improve Ferrari’s chances of fighting for victory at their home race as they attempt to reduce Mercedes’ 87-point lead in the Constructors’ Championship.

    Formula 1 racing at Monza in front of such a passionate fanbase is always one of the season’s defining sights. If Hamilton or Charles Leclerc can deliver a victory, the atmosphere beneath the iconic podium will be especially memorable.

    Ferrari to celebrate Michael Schumacher

    Alongside Ferrari’s hopes of winning at Monza, the team will pay tribute to one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history.

    Michael Schumacher won five of his seven Drivers’ Championships with Ferrari between 2000 and 2005. The 2026 season marks 30 years since the legendary German joined the team and 20 years since his final victory for the Scuderia, which came at Monza as he announced his first retirement from the sport.

    Schumacher had to wait five years to win the championship, but he still claimed three victories during his first season in Ferrari red in 1996, including at Monza. He went on to win at least once in each of his 11 seasons with the team.

    Ferrari have unveiled special race suits for Hamilton and Leclerc featuring Schumacher’s logo and the seven stars he used on his helmet to represent his seven world titles. Ferrari said this week’s tributes are inspired by Schumacher’s “impact on the racing world” and “his enduring mindset”.

  • What Time Is the 2026 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix and How Can I Watch It?

    What Time Is the 2026 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix and How Can I Watch It?

    The 2026 Formula 1 season continues this weekend at the Italian Grand Prix, with the Autodromo Nazionale Monza hosting Round 13. The race takes place on Sunday, 6 September, and the global start times are listed below.

    Lando Norris enjoyed a strong weekend in the Netherlands, suggesting the battle at the top of the championship is intensifying. The reigning World Champion secured back-to-back victories for the first time in 2026, although he still trails championship leader Kimi Antonelli by a significant margin. Antonelli holds a 59-point advantage over both his Mercedes team mate George Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton.

    Fans can head to the RACE HUB or continue reading for information on how to watch the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, plus the worldwide session times for the Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 action at Monza.

    What time is the 2026 Italian Grand Prix?

    Italian Grand Prix weekend begins with FP1 on Friday, 4 September, at 12:30 local time, followed by FP2 at 16:00.

    The final practice session starts at 12:30 on Saturday, 5 September. Qualifying follows at 16:00, with drivers competing for the best possible grid positions.

    The 2026 Italian Grand Prix begins at 15:00 on Sunday, 6 September. Check the event schedule for the global start times for Sunday’s race.

    How can I watch the 2026 Italian Grand Prix?

    Every session is available live on F1 TV Pro in selected countries. The service brings fans closer to the action with features including onboard cameras from all 22 drivers’ cars, as well as Pre-Race and Post-Race Shows.

    F1 TV Pro can be streamed through Apple TV, Chromecast Generation 2 and newer devices, Android TV, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV and Roku. The service has no commercial breaks and offers commentary in six languages.

    Fans can also watch through F1 TV Premium, a premium service that offers races in 4K Ultra HD/HDR on up to six devices. Selected devices also support a personalised Multiview feature with 26 different feeds available.

    F1 TV Premium provides live 4K Ultra HD/HDR coverage of every F1 Grand Prix, F1 Sprint, Qualifying session and practice session. F2, F3, F1 ACADEMY and Porsche Supercup sessions are also available to watch live on the platform.

    Alternatively, live timing will be available throughout every session of the Italian Grand Prix weekend on F1.com and the F1 app.

    Where is the 2026 Italian Grand Prix taking place?

    The Italian Grand Prix will be held at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, the oldest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar. Originally constructed in 1922, Monza became the world’s third purpose-built race track and featured in the inaugural F1 season in 1950.

    The circuit has hosted almost every Italian Grand Prix since then, apart from the 1980 event, when the venue underwent refurbishment. Monza is renowned for its history, exceptional high speeds and passionate Tifosi.

    Charles Leclerc’s fairytale victories at Monza in 2019 and 2024 delighted the home fans. However, Hamilton and Michael Schumacher jointly hold the record for the most wins at the circuit, with five victories each.

    What is the weather forecast in Italy?

    Warm and sunny conditions are expected throughout all three days of track action. Temperatures are forecast to reach 30 degrees Celsius, with only a minimal chance of rain in the region.

    When can I watch F2 and F3 at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix?

    Formula 2 returns to action at Monza, with Nikola Tsolov aiming to extend his 20-point championship lead over Gabriele Mini.

    F2 Free Practice begins at 10:00 local time on Friday, 4 September, followed by Qualifying at 14:55.

    The Sprint Race takes place at 14:15 on Saturday, 5 September. The top 10 finishers from Qualifying will start in reverse order. The Feature Race begins at 09:45 on Sunday, 6 September.

    Formula 3 will also contest the penultimate round of the season at Monza, where Freddie Slater and Ugo Ugochukwu continue their title battle.

    F3 Free Practice starts at 08:55 on Friday, 4 September. Qualifying follows with Qualifying A at 14:00 and Qualifying B at 14:20, with the field divided into two groups.

    The top 12 qualifiers will be reversed for the Sprint Race, which begins at 09:30 on Saturday, 5 September. The Feature Race concludes the weekend at 08:15 on Sunday, 6 September.

    Source: www.formula1.com