Monza is the temple of speed. As the fastest racing circuit in the Formula 1 championship, the Italian 5.793-kilometer Autodromo Nazionale Monza is the home for Scuderia Ferrari F1 team. So, in front of the Tifosi, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz challenge the arduous task. In the background of spaceships of Red Bull and battling for each second Aston Martin Mercedes, there are still big hopes for Ferrari to claim the podium at the Italian Grand Prix 2023, at least.
Iconic Monza
Monza has been the epicenter of the furious high-speed driving through the years since it opened its doors in 1922. With its long straights and a few turns made, the Monza circuit is a favorite destination among drivers, as the car here does most of the work. On the other hand, it can be very unforgiving to even minor mistakes. So, who loves Monza, racing here at their best.
Besides, it is the home of the closest race in Formula 1. Think, 1971 Italian Grand Prix winner Peter Gethin went on to take the win ahead of Ronnie Peterson by just 0.01 seconds. Therefore, the Formula 1 car performance comes first as the key to winning. Among the grid, the fastest have the advantage. Another point is that those drivers who keep precision first will be successful here.
Every year, Ferrari drivers have engaged here till the last. Although Charles Leclerc is sure the fastest car doesn’t always win at Monza, he has big hopes for it. Especially in the case of bringing back the former glory, when in 2019 he took a fantastic victory, while his epic battle against Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes went to the gold of Formula 1’s history.
Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix 2023, Leclerc’s teammate Carlos Sainz says that winning here will be challenging, but he is inspired to race for the iconic team at the legendary track.
Regarding speed, Red Bull RB19 ranked as the fastest Formula 1 car on the grid. Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez may reach 320.5km/h at the straights, even without DRS. These are the leaders and main favorites for the winning Italian Grand Prix 2023.
But despite the bad luck they had been struggling with since the 2023 season started, Ferrari drivers still have second-placed fastest cars. Their Ferrari SF-23 cars can make 282 km/h. Although racing against Verstappen for victory is impossible, to finish at the podium, Ferrari drivers have all the chances.
“Winning at Monza is beyond the dream”
That is how Charles Leclerc described his last victory in 2019.
Formula 1 racing at Monza is more than just a race; it lies under something mythical. So, even when all the bets are against, there is still a chance. Therefore, the statistic is another reason to have big hopes for Ferrari in the Italian Grand Prix 2023. In theory, the driver who wins the race one year fails to even cross the finish line the following year. Going ahead, the last Italian GP winner, Verstappen, doesn’t believe in signs.
However, great feelings here will have to cover all the weekend long. These are very special for Ferrari, as a team having the most enormous fanbase at home – “tiffosi.” Therefore, mysteriously, the prancing horse roars louder here at Monza, Ferrari cars go faster, and the podium ceremony launches the red wave roaring.
Just think about this. About 60 million people live in Italy, while about 30 million are Formula 1 fans, 76.5% are Ferrari fans.
Therefore, Scuderia has prepared the Italian Grand Prix 2023, as they added the yellow color to the livery. This year, it marries the team’s victory at 24 Hours of Le Mans. Why is it yellow? The answer is clear. Yellow is one of the colors of the Modena emblem, as Enzo Ferrari decided it, along with the blue.
Back to reality
The reality is that Ferrari is struggling today. There were hopes the situation would change instantly with new team principal Frédéric Vasseur. But the former Alfa Romeo team leader convinces us again – everything needs time. However, despite Leclerc and Sainz’s enormous work and colossal patience, Ferrari sets only fourth in the championship standings. It is so far from their second-placed 2022 season.
So, their up-and-down nature continues. Both cars have enough pace to reach Q3 but face different technical problems during the race. The floor damage forced Leclerc to retire, while Sainz couldn’t do anything but just watch how Alpine’s Pierre Gasly finished third.
But the Italian Grand Prix is another case. It is a special place where Leclec and Sainz have no option but to take the podium. And the chance is still even more than in theory.
With straight-line speed and braking stability, the low downforce and drag levels are the key at Monza. So, most of the teams bring specific aerodynamic configurations. That is another reason to hope Ferrari will compete to stand proudly in front of Tifosi.
Italian Grand Prix Schedule (local)
| 01 SEPTEMBER | FRIDAY |
|---|---|
| 13:30 – 14:30 | Practice 1 |
| 17:00 – 18:00 | Practice 2 |
| 02 SEPTEMBER | SATURDAY |
|---|---|
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Practice 3 |
| 16:00 – 17:00 | Qualifying |
| 03 SEPTEMBER | SUNDAY |
|---|---|
| 15:00 | RACE |
Instead of any concluding
Max Verstappen going to suit a new record. Moreover, the gap between Red Bull and Ferrari drivers is thrice, but honestly, it doesn’t matter, as all the eyes will focus on the Ferrari. Therefore, rev up your engine, take your prancing horse flag, and let’s set up for the Italian Grand Prix 2023 on September 1- 3.
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