Formula 1 heads to Italy for a single race in 2026, after Imola’s contract wasn’t extended beyond 2025. That leaves Monza, the sport’s fastest and most historic circuit, as the country’s sole round, running September 4-6.
## Why Monza stands alone this year
Known as the “Temple of Speed,” Monza’s long straights and minimal corners produce the highest average speeds of any circuit on the calendar. With Imola no longer hosting, every ounce of Italy’s Formula 1 passion funnels into this single weekend, and the tifosi crowd is expected to be as intense as ever.
## The championship context arriving in Italy
Kimi Antonelli carries a significant lead into the second half of the season, fresh off the Dutch Grand Prix weekend at Zandvoort, full recap in our [Dutch GP race weekend guide](dutch-gp-2026-race-weekend-guide). How the title fight evolves between the Dutch and Italian rounds will shape the storylines heading into Monza.
## What makes Monza’s layout unique
– Low-downforce setups are essential, unlike almost anywhere else on the calendar
– The Parabolica and Ascari chicanes are among the sport’s most iconic corners
– Slipstreaming battles down the main straight regularly produce dramatic overtakes
## Planning your weekend
For every session time converted to IST, see our [schedule and India start time guide](italian-gp-2026-schedule-india-start-time). For TV and streaming details, check [how to watch in India](italian-gp-2026-how-to-watch-in-india).
## A circuit steeped in history
Monza has hosted the Italian Grand Prix since the very first Formula 1 World Championship season in 1950, making this one of the most historically significant weekends on the entire calendar. For a closer look at the track itself, corner by corner, read our dedicated [Monza track guide](italian-gp-2026-monza-track-guide).