Monza magic

The Formula 1 season is reaching a pivotal moment this weekend as the Italian Grand Prix returns to Monza, writes Naman Arora.

From the battle within McLaren to Ferrari returning amidst the Tifosi, here are some of the storylines to watch as the teams buckle in for the final nine races of this season.

Lauda’s Legacy

Ferrari has revealed a special livery for the SF-25 cars driven by Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, paying homage to renowned F1 champion Niki Lauda’s 1975 Ferrari 312T.

The design features prominent white engine covers, retro-style numbers framed in white, silver wheel covers and white stripes along the flanks.

Drivers will also wear race suits inspired by Lauda’s championship-winning attire, with their names highlighted across the back in the same way Lauda’s appeared.

The retro tribute extends to Ferrari legend Jean Alesi, who will drive a 412T2 at the event.

Homecoming

Monza represents a ‘homecoming’ of sorts for two drivers in very different ways. Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli will race in front of his home fans for the first time, while Hamilton tackles his debut at the circuit with Ferrari.

Antonelli’s weekend in the Netherlands was difficult, including a collision with Leclerc.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff stressed that mistakes are part of a rookie’s learning curve.

“When we made it clear last year in Monza that we would give him the opportunity, we were also saying that we would give him a year of learning… and there would be other moments of brilliance,” Wolff said.

“Once he was in free air, he was behind the McLaren, the quickest car, caught up, and then again was involved in that accident that unfortunately meant the end for Charles’ race and also for Kimi’s race. But we want him to go for the moves, obviously.”

Meanwhile, Hamilton arrives in Monza carrying a five-place grid penalty for a yellow flag infringement at the Dutch Grand Prix. Ferrari will need to manage the setback carefully, particularly at their home circuit where expectations are high.

“It’s one of the most popular and fastest circuits on the calendar,” said Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur.

“Last weekend was very much one of mixed emotions, but having fully reviewed Lewis’s did-not-finish-result (DNF) internally, our full focus shifts to the remaining nine rounds of the championship.

“We continue to be competitive, but we must not be complacent and must not take for granted that there is a fine line between challenging for victories and disappointment. The team and drivers remain motivated to maximise our pace this weekend.”

Battle for the Title

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri remain locked in a heated fight for the Drivers’ Championship, with just nine races left.

Piastri’s victory in the Netherlands extended his lead to 34 points over Norris.

Norris remains focused on the challenge ahead. “I’m looking forward to returning to Monza,” he added.

“The Italian Grand Prix is always a good one. The fans come out in full force and the high speeds make it more fun. I’m focused on this weekend, ready to give it my all and fight for the win. The team have done a great job and we have a lot of performance in the car, so I’ll be extracting the maximum. Bring it on!”

Piastri, meanwhile, is determined to maintain his momentum. “I’m really excited for Monza. Zandvoort was a very strong weekend and I’m determined to follow that up and fight for the victory in Italy. I finished second there last year and I’m working hard to go one better this year. A big thank you to the whole team who are working so hard at track and back at MTC to give us such a great car.”

Midfield Battles

The midfield battle remains intense, with Williams, Aston Martin, Racing Bulls, Sauber, Haas, and Alpine all vying for points. Alex Albon’s fifth-place finish at Zandvoort gives Williams momentum heading into Monza.

Red Bull faces a particular challenge at the ‘Temple of Speed’.

While Verstappen secured a podium in the Netherlands, Monza has historically been a difficult circuit for the team. Weather forecasts predict warm and sunny conditions, adding another layer of complexity.

As the teams prepare for Monza, all eyes will be on Ferrari’s home race, Hamilton’s debut, and the title fight between McLaren teammates. Speed, strategy, and passion are set to converge in one of Formula 1’s most iconic weekends.