Daily News 19

Tag: Italian Grand Prix

  • McLaren’s Newest Upgrades: What They Reveal Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix

    McLaren’s Newest Upgrades: What They Reveal Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix

    McLaren’s Zandvoort upgrades helped deliver back-to-back wins

    Following its all-new floor, wakeboards and floor slots introduced in Hungary, McLaren brought further performance upgrades to Zandvoort. The latest package included a new rear wing, engine cover updates, diffuser tweaks and revised front wheel rims.

    “The items aren’t linked as a package,” explained McLaren’s technical director Neil Houldey of the Zandvoort parts. “They all provide aero performance as individual components and don’t need each other to perform.”

    The two consecutive upgrade packages proved highly effective, helping Lando Norris secure back-to-back Grand Prix victories, with both wins coming from pole position.

    Source: www.formula1.com

  • Ferrari Unveils Michael Schumacher-Inspired F1 Livery for Italian Grand Prix

    Ferrari Unveils Michael Schumacher-Inspired F1 Livery for Italian Grand Prix

    Ferrari will run a special Michael Schumacher tribute livery at its home Formula 1 race in Monza, marking the 30th anniversary of the German driver’s first season with the team.

    The Ferrari SF-26 driven by Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will feature an even redder appearance, with the white section removed from the engine cover. Both drivers’ number decals will use a retro font, while Schumacher’s signature will appear between the numbers and title sponsor HP’s logo.

    The car will also feature gold detailing on the BBS wheel rims and Schumacher’s trademark white stars on its nose. Hamilton, Leclerc and Ferrari’s entire trackside team will wear specially designed clothing for the occasion.

    Ferrari to display Schumacher’s iconic cars at Monza

    The tribute livery draws inspiration from the F310 that Schumacher first raced for Ferrari in 1996. That car will be displayed throughout the Monza weekend alongside his final Ferrari, the 248 F1 from 2006, and the F2002, which became Schumacher’s and Ferrari’s most dominant car.

    Schumacher’s former team-mate Rubens Barrichello and close friend Sebastian Vettel, who also drove for Ferrari, will drive the F2002 around Monza on Saturday and Sunday for a lap of honour celebrating his legacy.

    “Michael’s time at Ferrari was about much more than just wins and titles: his relentless pursuit of perfection, attention to detail, discipline and ability to be a true team player helped create a culture that became one of the defining characteristics of the Scuderia,” the team stated.

    “Thirty years later, that culture remains part of the way Ferrari approaches competition today. Monza is therefore the ideal place to celebrate this legacy, not just by looking back at what was achieved, but by recognising values that remain part of Ferrari today.”

    Schumacher is Ferrari’s most experienced driver, having started 179 races for the team between 1996 and 2006. The 57-year-old German is also Ferrari’s most decorated driver, winning five of his seven world championships with the Maranello-based team between 2000 and 2004.

    During Ferrari’s highly successful era under Jean Todt and Ross Brawn, Schumacher recorded 72 wins and 58 pole positions for the team.

    Source: www.motorsport.com

  • 5 Drivers Most Likely to Win the Italian Grand Prix

    5 Drivers Most Likely to Win the Italian Grand Prix

    We examine the betting market to identify the five drivers most likely to win at Monza.

    Source: www.formula1.com

  • George Russell “has to win” Italian GP to Keep F1 Title Hopes Alive, Says Former Driver

    George Russell “has to win” Italian GP to Keep F1 Title Hopes Alive, Says Former Driver

    George Russell must win the Italian Grand Prix to keep his Formula 1 championship hopes alive, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer has warned.

    Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Palmer assessed the title battle after a dramatic Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. McLaren’s Lando Norris won in dominant fashion, finishing ahead of Mercedes teammates Kimi Antonelli and Russell.

    Antonelli is set to receive an engine penalty at his home race in Monza, creating an opportunity for Russell to reduce the gap in the championship standings. However, Palmer believes a strong result for Antonelli could put the title beyond Russell’s reach.

    “He could win it because the way that he’s been driving, I think Mercedes are the sure-fire favourites for Monza still,” Palmer said of Antonelli. “But when you reference Max’s comeback wins, that’s largely against Checo, isn’t it? Who was a lot further away from Max’s pace than George is of Kimi’s. And George was better in Zandvoort.

    “I know he still didn’t put the race together. He had two bad first laps that set him apart. And his race pace wasn’t quite as good as Kimi’s either. But I don’t think in a clean race Kimi will come from 10th or 11th to beat George if George is anywhere near form from pole position.

    Palmer expects strategy, safety cars, engine performance and reliability to play important roles at Monza, where Russell will need to capitalize on any advantage created by Antonelli’s grid penalty.

    “With strategy differences, safety car involvements, it’s going to be tough on components across the board. Power units are going to be singing. Reliability’s not going to be easy at Monza.

    “If Kimi wins in Monza with a grid penalty, he is champion. I’ll go as far as saying that. It’ll be such a crushing blow. He will have won his home race with a load of overtaking, huge aplomb, and it will suck the life out of George to not take points out of him in Monza. George has to win this.”

    Antonelli currently leads the Formula 1 standings with 242 points. Russell is second on 183 points, level with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

  • Italian Grand Prix Betting Guide and Latest Odds

    Italian Grand Prix Betting Guide and Latest Odds

    Our experts provide the key betting information you need before making your Monza predictions.

    Source: www.formula1.com

  • 7 Memorable Italian Grand Prix Moments at Monza, From Michael Schumacher’s Record to Charles Leclerc’s Victory

    7 Memorable Italian Grand Prix Moments at Monza, From Michael Schumacher’s Record to Charles Leclerc’s Victory

    The Italian Grand Prix is just days away, and Monza is preparing to welcome Formula 1 teams, drivers and fans in typically passionate Italian style. From emotional celebrations to the Tifosi turning out in force, the fastest circuit on the F1 calendar has consistently delivered memorable moments both on and off the track.

    Monza has featured on the Formula 1 calendar since the championship began and has hosted every Italian Grand Prix except one since 1950. These are some of the most unforgettable moments from the Temple of Speed in recent racing history.

    Charles Leclerc Delights the Tifosi

    Few achievements in Formula 1 are more special than winning for Ferrari at its home race in Monza. Charles Leclerc experienced that feeling in 2019, when he claimed victory at the Italian Grand Prix for his second career win and his first at Monza.

    “There were people as far as I could see,” he said afterwards. “It was packed. I was trying to find my mum. She was in a grandstand… I was trying to find her but there were way too many people.”

    Michael Schumacher Equals Ayrton Senna’s Victory Tally

    Michael Schumacher remains Ferrari’s most successful race winner, but one of his most emotional victories came at the 2000 Italian Grand Prix.

    After missing the previous year’s race, the German driver returned to Monza in strong form and won in front of the Tifosi. It was the 41st victory of his Formula 1 career, bringing him level with Ayrton Senna’s total. The achievement prompted an emotional reaction from Schumacher during the post-race press conference.

    Ferrari Celebrates 90 Years

    Ferrari chose the weekend of the 2019 Italian Grand Prix to celebrate its 90th anniversary. The team took over Milan’s Piazza Duomo for a special “90 years of emotions” event, bringing together Charles Leclerc, Sebastian Vettel, former drivers and members of Ferrari’s past and present management.

    The celebration highlighted the Maranello team’s storied history in front of a sea of red jerseys and caps, with the iconic Duomo di Milano providing the backdrop.

  • Jenson Button Compares Fernando Alonso to Michael Schumacher

    Jenson Button Compares Fernando Alonso to Michael Schumacher

    Jenson Button has compared racing against Fernando Alonso with battling Michael Schumacher, praising the Spaniard’s aggressive but fair approach and ability to adapt to any Formula 1 car.

    Writing in his Jenson’s Journal column for Aston Martin ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, the 2009 F1 world champion reflected on Alonso’s career as speculation continues over whether the Aston Martin driver will remain in the championship beyond the 2026 season.

    “The biggest compliment I can give Fernando is that fighting him was very similar to fighting with Michael Schumacher,” Button wrote. “In my experience against them it would be hard but fair – it was on the limit every time and I loved that. That was part of the challenge.

    “When I won my first grand prix in Hungary, I was fighting against them and that’s what you want as a driver. You want to be fighting against the best, against the greats, to see how you compare.

    “In my career I got to race against the likes of Fernando and Michael, as well as Mika Hakkinen, Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. I’ve been really lucky to have raced against some of the true legends of the sport.”

    Button also highlighted Alonso’s distinctive driving style and versatility across different cars and set-ups.

    “Fernando drives like no one else. He’s aggressive, he can adapt brilliantly, and it’s been that way all through his career.”

    Jenson Button backs Fernando Alonso to continue in F1

    Alonso, 45, has faced growing questions about his Formula 1 future. Rumours of retirement and a possible move to Alpine have circulated, but the Aston Martin driver has not yet confirmed his plans beyond the 2026 season.

    “Obviously, this year has been tough, but it’s still an exciting time to be at Aston Martin Aramco and to be working with people like Adrian Newey. Any F1 driver would love to race a car designed by him, and to experience first-hand him driving this team forward,” Button added.

    “I know how difficult it is to decide your future, and he’s been there once before. He left the sport and came back, so he obviously left too early. Now, he will make sure that he’s 100 per cent certain that he doesn’t want to be in the sport before he leaves.

    “Fernando’s still got so much more to give in F1. I would love to see him in an Aston Martin fighting for wins. That’s where he should be, and it’s where this team is aiming to be.”

    Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin

    Source: www.motorsport.com

  • Kimi Antonelli Reveals “different mindset” Ahead of F1 Italian Grand Prix Return

    Kimi Antonelli Reveals “different mindset” Ahead of F1 Italian Grand Prix Return

    Kimi Antonelli heads into this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix with a 59-point lead in the Formula 1 drivers’ championship and a very different outlook from his difficult home-race debut at Monza in 2025.

    Antonelli endured a troubled weekend last year. The Mercedes driver received a five-second penalty after colliding with Williams driver Alex Albon and was shown a black-and-white flag for exceeding track limits. He ultimately scored two points with a ninth-place finish.

    Now 20, Antonelli returns to Monza as the championship leader and a six-time grand prix winner this season. Speaking to F1.com before his home race, the Italian said he would approach the weekend with a “different attitude”.

    “I’m very excited. I think it’s going to be a great atmosphere and it’s going to be a lot different compared to last year,” he said. “I’m definitely going in with a different attitude, different mindset, and definitely I feel like I’m going to be able to enjoy the weekend a lot more. I’m really looking forward to be back.”

    Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes. Photo by: Eric Le Galliot

    Antonelli set for minimum 10-place grid penalty at Monza

    Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend that Antonelli would take a grid penalty at his home race because of a planned power unit change.

    The final penalty has not yet been confirmed. Its severity will depend on how many new power unit components Mercedes installs in Antonelli’s car, but it will be at least 10 places.

    “With Kimi, we’re taking the full thing. Our calculations say that that’s the best track to take it,” Wolff explained.

    “Obviously, algorithms don’t take their nationality into consideration. We’re here to fight for a championship and not get the most PR. So yeah, that’s what we’re going to do.”

    The Italian Grand Prix will be held at Monza from 4-6 September.

  • Ferrari “can’t leave more points on the table” with Race Execution

    Ferrari “can’t leave more points on the table” with Race Execution

    Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has urged the team to improve its Formula 1 race weekend execution as the performance gap between the leading 2026 teams continues to narrow.

    After dedicating much of 2025 to preparing for the new regulations, Ferrari has produced a competitive SF-26 and continued to introduce upgrades aimed at giving Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc a chance to win a grand prix. The team currently sits second in the constructors’ championship.

    However, Ferrari failed to convert its pace into podium finishes at the last two races in Hungary and the Netherlands, despite having a car capable of challenging for the top three.

    Ferrari missed opportunities in Hungary and the Netherlands

    Ferrari appeared strong during practice at the twisty Hungaroring, a circuit expected to suit the team’s strengths, and Hamilton narrowly missed pole position. A poor start, a speeding penalty and slow pit stops subsequently prevented both drivers from finishing on the podium.

    At Zandvoort, Ferrari believed it lost performance during qualifying after its tyres fell outside the ideal operating window. The team also missed further opportunities during the race to secure a podium on a circuit that suited the SF-26 and helped mask weaknesses in Ferrari’s power unit.

    Photo by: Eric Le Galliot

    Speaking exclusively to Motorsport.com, Vasseur acknowledged that Ferrari cannot afford to leave points on the table if it is to close the gap to Mercedes and hold off a resurgent McLaren. He also stressed that the team has made significant progress in recent seasons.

    “Honestly, I think we made a huge step in terms of execution over the last two or three years. In terms of strategy, pitstops, we are doing well,” Vasseur said. “We missed opportunities mainly over the last two weekends, but I’m not sure that we missed more opportunities than McLaren or Mercedes from the beginning of the season.

    “But if you want to be the champion, you can’t leave points on the table. We have to score the maximum number of points that we can.”

    Ferrari focuses on execution as performance gaps shrink

    Ferrari has introduced an impressive number of upgrades in recent weeks and months. Further aerodynamic components and an upgraded engine are expected for the team’s home race at Monza this weekend.

    With the field continuing to converge in outright performance, Vasseur believes that maximising the car’s potential during every part of the race weekend is becoming increasingly important.

    “You have two races. You have the development race; race after race, you are bringing parts to improve the potential. But then you have also to be at the limit of your potential,” he pointed out. “Sometimes you are doing well, sometimes not.

    “It’s challenging this season because everything is new. Regulations, energy, tyres are different compared to last year, so it means that we have many more new questions on the table than we had last year, and it’s why we are all making more mistakes. But my job is also to minimise this number of mistakes. It doesn’t matter what the others are doing, but we have to minimise this.”

    Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

    Power unit performance remains crucial in Formula 1

    Although teams have developed a better understanding of the complex 2026 power units and the regulations governing their operation, energy deployment can still have a major impact on performance.

    “The power unit is the key. From one lap to the other you can still have a swing of performance,” the Frenchman cautioned. “It’s much less than what we had in China or Australia, where we were sometimes losing four, five tenths. Now we are losing one or two. But that’s four positions on the grid in Zandvoort. It means that we need to keep this [focus].

    “I think it’s more linked to the fact that it’s a new area of regulations and a challenging year, but it’s one of the focus areas of the team for sure.”

    Ferrari enters the Italian Grand Prix weekend 87 points behind Mercedes in the constructors’ standings. Hamilton is level on points with George Russell, with both drivers 59 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli.

    Source: www.motorsport.com

  • F1 Nation: Will Kimi Antonelli or Ferrari Be the Home Heroes at Monza?

    F1 Nation: Will Kimi Antonelli or Ferrari Be the Home Heroes at Monza?

    Lando Norris heads to the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in outstanding form after winning the last two Formula 1 races at the Hungaroring and Zandvoort.

    The reigning World Champion now faces a different challenge at Monza’s low-downforce “Temple of Speed” circuit. The key question is whether the track will expose any weaknesses in McLaren’s package—or allow Norris to strengthen his title challenge with a third consecutive victory.

    Italian Grand Prix talking points

    Norris could receive further assistance from championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who will serve a grid penalty at his home race. If Antonelli is to claim his seventh Grand Prix victory of the season, he will therefore need to fight his way through the field.

    Ferrari will also be under pressure in front of its passionate home crowd. The Scuderia has gone two races without a podium for the first time this season, leaving fans to wonder whether the team can rediscover its form and give the Tifosi a race to remember.

    Max Verstappen will be aiming to respond after crashing on the opening lap of his home race last time out. The Monza circuit could offer him an opportunity to bounce back, given that he has won three of the last four Italian Grands Prix.

    Tom Clarkson is joined by former Renault F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and IndyCar winner James Hinchcliffe on this week’s F1 Nation podcast. The panel previews the Italian Grand Prix, reacts to Franco Colapinto extending his Alpine contract through 2027 and recalls the time Jolyon Palmer upset Fernando Alonso at Monza.

    Listen to the latest episode using the audio player above or click here to hear it on your preferred podcast platform.

    Want your question answered by the F1 Nation team on a future episode? Record it as a voice note and email it to F1Nation@F1.com.

    Source: www.formula1.com