Your first Italian Grand Prix: a guide to Monza

Every F1 fan should do Monza once. Most go back.

The Autodromo Nazionale Monza opened in 1922. It’s one of the oldest purpose-built circuits in the world, and still one of the fastest. They call it the Temple of Speed for a reason. Add the tifosi, a sea of Ferrari red and a race weekend that spills into the streets, and you have one of the great occasions in sport. First time in 2027? This is what you need to know.

The 2027 weekend

The 2027 Italian Grand Prix runs from 3 to 5 September, and Monza is a Sprint weekend. That means competitive running on all three days. The Sprint format typically looks like this:

• Friday: a single practice session, then Sprint qualifying.
• Saturday: the Sprint, then qualifying for the Grand Prix.
• Sunday: the Italian Grand Prix, followed by the famous track invasion.

Session times are confirmed closer to the race, so check the official schedule nearer the date. Support races and historic car demonstrations usually fill the gaps.

A little history

Monza has hosted more world championship Grands Prix than any other circuit. The old banked oval still stands in the park, crumbling and atmospheric, from the days when cars raced flat out on concrete walls. Photo finishes. Emotional Ferrari wins. Some of the closest races the sport has ever seen. Our look back at ten iconic moments at the Italian Grand Prix is a good place to start if you want to get in the mood.

The tifosi

Monza means the tifosi. Ferrari’s Italian faithful arrive early, stay late, sing, wave giant flags and turn the grandstands red. Whoever you support, the noise when a Ferrari takes the lead is something you feel in your chest. It’s the reason many fans say Monza is the one race they would never miss.

Where to watch

Monza is about speed. Watch where you can feel it.

• The main straight: the start, the finish, the pit lane and the podium. Unbeatable atmosphere on race day.
• The first chicane: heavy braking from top speed, lots of overtaking and, often, first-lap drama.
• Lesmo: two quick right-handers deep in the park, surrounded by trees. A beautiful spot.
• Ascari: a fast, flowing chicane where you really see the cars at work.
• The Parabolica, now Curva Alboreto: the long final corner onto the main straight, with cars right on the limit.

General admission gives you access to grassy banks around the park, but the best spots go early. Grandstand seats are worth it if you want a guaranteed view and somewhere to sit.

The track invasion

When the chequered flag falls on Sunday, the gates open and fans flood onto the circuit, gathering beneath the podium that hangs over the main straight. Tens of thousands of red flags while the drivers spray the champagne. You’ll never forget it. Don’t leave early. Getting home takes a while either way.

Tickets and hospitality

Buy your race tickets as early as you can, directly from official sources, and decide early whether you want a grandstand, general admission or a hospitality package. Three-day tickets offer the best value on a Sprint weekend, because Friday and Saturday have real racing too. Hospitality gives you guaranteed seating, food and drink and a calmer base between sessions, and plenty of first-timers find that worth the premium.

Getting around

The circuit sits inside Monza Park, and walking from the gates to your grandstand can take anything from 10 to 45 minutes. Monza’s main station gets very crowded, and road access is restricted over the weekend. Check which gate is closest to your seats and plan your route before you travel. Our guide to getting to Monza circuit has the full detail, including the station most people miss.

What to pack

• Comfortable shoes. You’ll walk more than you expect.
• Layers. Days are usually warm (around 22 to 28°C), but evenings are cooler.
• A light waterproof. Late-summer storms do roll through.
• Sun cream, sunglasses and a hat.
• Ear protection, especially for younger fans.
• A portable phone charger for photos, tickets and maps.
• Something red, if you want to blend in.

Eating and drinking

There’s plenty of food and drink around the circuit, but queues build at peak times. Eat before the main sessions and carry water on warm days. Save the proper Italian meal for the evening, when Monza and Milan come into their own.

Don’t miss the town

Monza’s Fuori GP festival turns the town centre into a street party in the days before the race, with car displays, music and aperitivo in the piazzas. Milan, a short train ride away, is the social hub of race week. Give yourself at least one evening to enjoy it.

Where to stay

First visit? Location is everything. The Pop-Up Hotel sits a short walk from the circuit, with Biassono-Lesmo Parco station close by for trains into Milan. It means less time on the commute and more time on the racing, and our team is on hand to help you plan the whole weekend.

Quick answers

Make your first Monza one to remember. Book your stay for 2027.