With Formula 1 finally back after the summer break, the racing is coming thick and fast. Last weekend’s hectic Dutch Grand Prix is immediately followed by a trip to ‘the temple of speed,’ Monza.
No track has hosted more Formula 1 world championship races than this one, having only missed the F1 schedule once since 1950. So, with that storied alliance with the series, there are a collection of classic races to watch from this track.
All of these races are available to watch on F1TV, which gives you access to hundreds more.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
2019
In fairness, any Italian Grand Prix between 2018 and 2021 will be worth your time. For different reasons, they were among the best Italian races of recent times, with a mixture of controversy, brilliance and surprise.
But if you want to understand why the Italian Grand Prix is so special, you cannot look beyond this race. It is Ferrari’s home race, one that the Tifosi (the Ferrari fan base) flock to and cheer on their scarlet red cars.
Their support is deafening, their passion is pervading, and Monza becomes an earthquake of noise and heart.
LAP 23/53
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 8, 2019
Leclerc and Hamilton overtake Hulkenberg
Hamilton then tries to overtake the Ferrari but runs out of room!
Leclerc is shown a black and white flag#F1 #ItalianGP 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/QlkuOea7Cy
Charles Leclerc, driving in his first Italian Grand Prix for the Prancing Horse, learned this to the greatest extent. He started the race from pole but had two slightly quicker Mercedes starting behind. Although Sebastian Vettel’s sister Ferrari started fourth, he was swiftly erased from the race-winning battle when he ignominiously spun and then hit Lance Stroll.
What then followed was a titanic battle, one maybe over the edge at points, between the leading Ferrari and the two pursuing silver arrows.
2008
Another Italian team, Toro Rosso, have enjoyed success at Monza, but in the soaking conditions on a September weekend, in 2008, a legend was born. The name: Sebastian Vettel.
Stunning the paddock with pole, the German became the sport’s youngest-ever pole sitter, and a victory the following day would make him the most junior grand prix winner.
And with big names like Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen helplessly down the order, it felt like anything was possible.
What followed was a David-beating-Goliath script-wrecking story, with the established frontrunners usurped by a team who had previously been known as Minardi, the likeable minnows of the series.
1988
Italy and Formula 1 was still reeling from the passing of one of its most legendary figures. Enzo Ferrari had built the house that the sport’s most iconic brand still lives in, yet his enigmatic persona still felt as if he were peering over Monza.
The context of this was so important to this race, one in a season dominated by McLaren, its MP4/4 car and its two drivers: Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.
The Frenchman ran behind Senna, but knew that he would not finish the race, owing to misfires in his engine. But, tactically, he continued to push Senna as much as he could, attempting to push the Brazilian as far as perhaps compromising his race.
Once Prost dropped out, Senna was on the defensive as the two Ferraris closed in. Who would take the victory? Make sure you find out!
Formula 1 news & related links
- Classic F1 races to watch
Classic F1 races to watch, for the remainder of the summer break
Where to sit? The best overtaking opportunities at the Italian Grand Prix