From Monza to Millions: How the Italian GP Captures Global Attention

08:21, 31 Aug

byGPblog.com

As a motorsport and a phenomenon, the Formula 1 calendar is one of the most prestigious sporting events every year. The complexity and intensity of organizing, preparing, and participating in the 24 races during the year is no easy task, but teams, drivers, and organizers manage to do it perfectly. Winning any Grand Prix is a dream for every driver, and yet, there are select few circuits synonymous with the sport and the competition that instantly make you a recognizable name. For many, it is Monaco. For some, it is the British GP at Silverstone. However, if you were to make a survey, most fans and drivers would agree that winning at Monza, the Italian Grand Prix, would be a dream come true.

Synonymous with supercars, automobile manufacturers, and racing, Italy has left one of the biggest marks on racing overall. This is especially the case in Formula 1, where Ferrari has dominated the circuits for decades. Even when they are not among the favorites, like right now, for example, they are closely watched and their drivers are in the constant spotlight. With the end of August taking us to Circuit Zandvoort in the Netherlands, just over a week from now, it will be time for the Italian Grand Prix to take place. Monza will once again be the focus of the motorsport world, so what better time to talk about it and prepare? If you are a fan, here is how to bet on the Italian Grand Prix and make it an even more exciting watch.

What Makes Monza so Iconic?

As mentioned, a few circuits in the Formula 1 calendar are iconic, but rarely do they capture global attention and become famous outside of the F1 race. Monza has been put on the map thanks to the race, and many fans who do not know a lot about Italy, F1, or racing know about the track and connect it to motorsports. The Monza Grand Prix, officially known as the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix, is one of the oldest and most prestigious races in the Formula 1 calendar. It is held at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, just north of the city of Milan, and has been a part of the F1 World Championship since its inception in 1950. The only season it was not on was 1980, when it was temporarily moved to Imola due to renovation.

Monza is famously known as the "Temple of Speed" due to its high speed layout, where average lap speeds often exceed 250 km/h (155 mph). This is more than enough to be the fastest circuit in Formula 1. The track is 5.793 km (3.6 miles) long and features long straights and historic corners like the Curva Parabolica and the Variante Ascari. Ferrari, being the home team and the Italian legend, has a particularly passionate fanbase here (the "tifosi"). The team holds the record for most wins by a constructor at Monza. Among drivers, Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton share the record for the most wins at this venue, each having won five times. The Italian GP at Monza typically takes place in early September and is often marked by dramatic overtakes, slipstream battles, and an electric atmosphere.

This time around, it will continue the dramatic title race between McLaren club teammates, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who lead the standings and will be the two favorites for the gold. The defending champion is a Ferrari driver, Charles Leclerc, who won his first Monza GP in 2019 as a 21 year old. It earned him the nickname “Il Predestinato” in the Italian media, as he ended the 9 year drought of Ferrari winning at home. Then last year in 2024, he won it for the second time, immortalizing his legacy on the track, and will now look for his third. The young Monegasque has been a title hopeful for a few years, and a second straight win could usher in a promising 2026 season for Ferrari.

Leclerc’s teammate, Hamilton, is tied with Schumacher for the most wins. This will be his first entry in the race, defending Ferrari’s iconic red color. He won in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018. Doing so again will not only make him the only 6 time winner, but doing so in a Ferrari while overtaking Schumacher would be very poetic. Do not underestimate the Italian constructor next weekend, even if the two McLarens and the Red Bull are usually favored by the fans, experts, and bookies. Neither Piastri nor Norris has won it so far, coming second and third in 2024, respectively. Could it be their time in 2025?

Speaking of the Red Bull in question, Max Verstappen won in 2022 and 2023 and is sitting almost 100 points behind Oscar Piastri. If he manages to win at Zandvoort this weekend and cut the point deficit significantly, making a run in Monza and being aggressive could mean a more exciting title race towards the end of the year. If anyone is capable of such a surprise and drama, it is Red Bull and their defending champion. Nothing is certain in F1, not even the current two man McLaren dominance that has already secured them the Constructors’ championship. While it is still too early for more accurate predictions and implications of the race, there will soon be fresh Italian Grand Prix betting odds available, so make sure to check back and make your early picks.

Current Standings, Odds, and Zandvoort Predictions

While the Italian GP is the topic of conversation, there is still the Dutch GP coming this weekend, a race that is often one of the more exciting and important ones on the calendar. The local hero, 4 time defending F1 champion and 3 time Dutch GP winner Max Verstappen, is not the favorite according to the sportsbooks, but he is always in the running to make things interesting. Lando Norris, last year’s winner, and his biggest rival for the title and team colleague Oscar Piastri, lead the qualifying odds with 2.35 each, with Verstappen at 7.00.

As for the race, things are largely the same. Both Piastri and Norris have equal chances of winning with 2.35 odds. Max trails them with 9.00, and Charles Leclerc is at 11.00. Odds do not always tell the whole story, especially considering how well Max drives at home in front of the Orange Army crowd that cheers him on. Winning three times from 2021 to 2023 is no joke, but Norris, too, will have an extra motive to make it two in a row. Since it is almost time for the Netherlands and Circuit Zandvoort to host another Formula 1 race, Stake F1 betting promotion is on for the fans to make the most out of the weekend, so check it out.

When it comes to the Drivers' Championship winner, the outright odds favor Oscar Piastri with 1.60 odds. He is the current leader with 6 wins, 12 podiums, and 284 points. Norris is second with 5 wins, 12 podiums, and 275 points, with 2.25 odds to win the title. Verstappen, although third with 2 wins, 5 podiums, and 187 points, has little chance for a 5th straight title, as he only has 66.00 odds to do so.

Why are there two Grand Prix in Italy?

Many Formula 1 fans, even those experienced and well versed in the competition, confuse the two famous Italian circuits. While it is true that there are technically two Grand Prix in Italy during a single season, only one of them is the official Italian GP, and that is Monza. Still, some caveats and details need to be explained around this to clear any confusion. Italy is unique in that it's one of the few countries to regularly host more than one Formula 1 Grand Prix, at Monza and Imola. Max Verstappen won the Imola GP in 2025, and check Stake.com for the latest on Monza.

It is important to note that F1 rules do not allow two races in the same country under the same name. Monza is the official Italian Grand Prix, known in Italian as the Gran Premio d’Italia. It is held at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza and dates back to 1922. The official role of the race is Italy’s national Grand Prix and the most historic on the F1 calendar. Nicknamed the “Temple of Speed”, it is located near Milan in northern Italy. It is sacred ground for Ferrari and the Tifosi, and the prized possession of Italian racing fans.

On the other hand, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix used to be known as the San Marino GP. It is held on the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, and the first race came a lot later, in 1980. However, it was referred to as the Italian GP that first year, which resulted in confusion. Monza was under renovation, so Imola hosted the race. So, from 1981 to 2006, it was the San Marino GP. From 2020, after a hiatus, it was rebranded as the Emilia Romagna GP. It is now firmly established as the secondary Italian race.

So, why does Italy have two races in the calendar? It is a combination of factors. Ferrari’s national importance is one. It is based in Maranello, Emilia Romagna region. Multiple races celebrate the country’s deep F1 roots and significance. The country also has a massive motorsport fan base, and the demand is there for both races. Imola’s return in 2020, after a 14 year absence, was well received and earned a permanent spot for multiple seasons. However, it will not return post 2025, as it was replaced for the 2026 season by the Madring street circuit in Madrid.

Monza Grand Prix Trivia and Fun Facts

Oldest Grand Prix: The Italian Grand Prix is the longest running race on the F1 calendar. It was first held in 1921 and has been part of the F1 World Championship since 1950. It is the only race to have been held every single year since the championship’s inception in 1950.

Home of Speed: Monza is nicknamed the "Temple of Speed" because it is the fastest track on the F1 calendar. It has average lap speeds that often exceed 260 km/h (160 mph). The layout is to “blame” for this since the circuit features long straights and fast corners, leading to low downforce setups, the lowest of the season.

Iconic Corners: Monza includes famous sections like the Parabolica, now named after Michele Alboreto, the Lesmo curves, and the Rettifilo chicane.

Slipstream Battles: Due to the high speeds, slipstreaming is a key overtaking technique at Monza, especially into Turn 1.

Most Wins by a Driver: Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton share the record with 5 victories each at Monza.

Most Wins by a Team: Ferrari leads with 19 wins, making Monza a spiritual home race for the team and its fans. When Ferrari wins, the track is engulfed in a “red sea” of “Tifosi” flags and smoke, creating one of the most memorable visuals in motorsport.

Fastest F1 Lap Ever: In 2020, Lewis Hamilton set the fastest lap in F1 history during qualifying, an average speed of 264.362 km/h (164.267 mph).

Post Race Tradition: The podium is built above the pit lane, and thousands of fans gather beneath it. It is one of the most dramatic and emotional podium scenes in F1

2008 Shock Win: Sebastian Vettel won his first race at Monza with Toro Rosso, becoming the youngest winner at the time (21 years, 74 days).

2020 Surprise Victory: Pierre Gasly won with AlphaTauri in a chaotic race. AlphaTauri is the same team (formerly Toro Rosso) that gave Vettel his win.

1999 Heartbreak: Both Ferraris failed to finish, a shock for the local fans. Mika Häkkinen spun out while leading, famously crying behind the bushes.

Photo Finish: The closest finish in F1 history happened in the Italian GP. Peter Gethin won by just 0.01 seconds in 1971, with the top 5 separated by only 0.61 seconds.