The Monza circuit of the Italian Grand Prix, also known as the Temple of Speed, has been one of the most sought-after victories in Formula One history, alongside other iconic races such as Silverstone in Great Britain and the Monaco street circuit. This year’s race will undoubtedly be an unforgettable addition to one of the most captivating seasons in recent years. Here’s what you’ll need to know going into this weekend:
NEW RACE, NEW FACES
On August 27th, Williams announced that American driver Logan Sargeant would be replaced with Argentinian Formula Two driver Franco Colapinto for the remainder of the season. This comes as no surprise after Sargeant’s red flag in FP3 during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend last week, numerous crashing incidents throughout his Formula One career, and securing zero points this season. “To replace a driver mid-season is not a decision we have taken lightly, but we believe this gives Williams the best chance to compete for points over the remainder of the season,” said Team Principal James Vowles in a statement released on Wednesday.
Colapinto’s entry into the grid marks the first time an Argentinian driver has competed in Formula One in 23 years since Gaston Mazzacane in 2001 and the first to drive for Williams since Carlos Reutemann’s retirement in 1982.
As Colapinto may no longer be eligible to compete in F2 after this season, this will also allow Colapinto to present himself as a contender for the few remaining empty seats for the 2025 season (or as even as a reserve driver) and any vacancies that pop up for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Vowles was said to have approached Red Bull and Mercedes Team Principals Christian Horner and Toto Wolff after Sargeant’s crash to inquire about using one of their drivers “on loan” for the remainder of the season. Liam Lawson was rumored to have been the top contender for the seat, but he will have to keep waiting for an update regarding a seat in September. Other contenders reportedly included Mercedes reserve driver Mick Schumacher and Italian F2 driver/Mercedes Junior Driver Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli, who turned 18 during the Dutch Grand Prix, will make his F1 debut this Friday during FP1, driving George Russell’s car for the session.
The Italian driver has been the favorite to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes this season, even as veteran driver names were floated around, including Carlos Sainz, whom Hamilton is replacing at Ferrari next year. With his participation this weekend on home soil just after his birthday (which means he is now old enough to compete in Formula One), the timing is almost too perfect if you ask me. I'll be keeping my ears out, and eyes peeled for an announcement that may be around the corner.
FERRARI GETS DARK
The Italian Grand Prix always held a special place in the hearts of Ferrari and its beloved home fanbase, affectionately known as the “Tifosi” (the Italian word for “fans”). The Italian team has decided to spice things up with liveries and race suits to mark the occasion.
“During the Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza, Scuderia Ferrari HP, along with some of its partners will celebrate a material that is state of the art when it comes to building racing cars, namely carbon fibre. Its main virtues are light weight and strength, which have allowed the sport to make great progress in terms of safety,” Ferrari announced in a statement earlier in the week. “ To mark the occasion, instead of the usual white background with a yellow border, the numbers 16 and 55 on the SF-24s will replicate the look of carbon with its woven texture and natural reflections. In addition, the drivers’ race suits, helmets, shoes and glasses will also reflect the carbon fibre theme.”
It’s a clever concept that matches the team’s longevity and evolution in Formula One history. The suits’ design is bold and sleek, in contrast to the fun and tropical energy presented by the blue suits donned for the Miami Grand Prix in May. The pattern is simple but chic. On the other hand, I wish the team had committed to a sleek, all-black look to match the suits, but a Ferrari car wouldn’t be a Ferrari without its signature shade, Rosso Corsa.
SO, WHO TOOK POLE AND WON IN 2023? WHO WON RECENTLY?
Carlo Sainz took pole position last year with Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc in P2 and P3, respectively. Verstappen (who also won in 2022) ultimately won the race, while Sergio Perez (who qualified fifth) came in second. Sainz battled it out with teammate Leclerc to finish third.
Other recent winners include Daniel Ricciardo (2021), Pierre Gasly (2020), Charles Leclerc (2019), and Lewis Hamilton (2018).
ANY PREDICTIONS SO FAR?
Though I think it's best to wait until after Qualifying to make any confident guesses, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen will be the drivers to watch this weekend as the gap between drivers and their teams grows increasingly smaller. Piastri’s chances of winning or at least hopping onto a podium are also high. If luck is on their side, the Ferrari drivers might have a shot of winning on their team’s home soil. And let’s not dismiss Hamilton and Russell of Mercedes just yet.
I'll return to this question as the weekend progresses, but feel free to share your predictions in the comments.
Follow along as we cover the Italian Grand Prix this weekend, August 30th to September 1st, 2024, here on Vintage & Coupe.
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