Nicknamed the “Temple of Speed,” Monza has hosted the Italian Grand Prix since Formula 1’s very first World Championship season in 1950. Ahead of the 2026 edition on September 4-6, here’s what makes this circuit so distinct.
## The layout, corner by corner
Monza’s lap begins with a blast down the start-finish straight into the Rettifilo chicane, a heavy braking zone that catches drivers who carry too much speed from the straight. From there, the track flows into the Curva Grande, a flat-out right-hander that rewards commitment, before the Roggia chicane slows things down again.
The Lesmo corners that follow are a classic Monza test of balance through fast direction changes, feeding into the Serraglio section and the Ascari chicane, a tight left-right-left combination named after five-time world champion Alberto Ascari. The lap closes with the Parabolica, a long, sweeping right-hander onto the main straight that’s become one of Formula 1’s most iconic overtaking spots.
## Why setup matters so much here
– Teams run the lowest downforce levels of the season to maximise straight-line speed
– Slipstreaming battles down the straights create some of the year’s best overtaking opportunities
– Braking zones are unusually punishing given the speeds carried into each chicane
## The historic banking
Monza’s abandoned oval banking, unused in modern Formula 1 but still visible around the circuit, is a reminder of the track’s roots as one of motorsport’s earliest purpose-built venues.
## Getting ready for race weekend
For every session time converted to IST, see our [schedule guide](italian-gp-2026-schedule-india-start-time), and for TV and streaming options in India, check [how to watch](italian-gp-2026-how-to-watch-in-india). For the complete weekend picture, including the championship context arriving from Zandvoort, read our [Italian GP guide](italian-gp-2026-monza-guide).