The Autodromo Nazionale Monza, also known as the Monza Circuit, is one of the most historic tracks on the F1 calendar, spanning 5.793 km (3.600 mi).
Near the Italian city of Monza, located to the north of Milan, this historic circuit was built in 1922, and was among the world’s earliest purpose-built motor racing tracks, following the examples of Brooklands and Indianapolis. It claims to hold the distinction of being the oldest racetrack in mainland Europe, although some dispute its claim to that title. The Italian Grand Prix, one of the biggest events held at the Monza Circuit, has been taking place there since 1949, except for 1980, when the circuit was closed for renovation.
Monza Circuit
| First Grand Prix | 1950 Italian Grand Prix |
| Number of Laps | 53 |
| Circuit Length | 5.793km |
| Race Distance | 306.72 km |
| Lap Record | 1:21.046 Rubens Barrichello (2004) |
Circuit
When was the Monza Circuit built?
The Autodromo Nazionale Monza was constructed in just 110 days in 1922. This impressive feat positioned Monza as the third purpose-built race track in the world, following in the pioneering footsteps of the iconic Brooklands in the United Kingdom and the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the United States.
What set the original Monza circuit apart was its ambitious design, which incorporated a series of daunting banked curves. These features mirrored the thrilling and challenging aspects of its predecessors, Brooklands and Indianapolis. The high-speed banked curves were a test of skill for the drivers and a symbol of the era’s engineering ingenuity in racetrack design.
In addition to these curves, Monza’s layout included what is referred to as the ‘outfield’ section. This part of the circuit, renowned for its technical demands in races, has stood the test of time and remains a vital part of the track’s configuration, even today.
The construction of Monza not only marked a significant milestone in the history of racing circuits but also played a pivotal role in shaping the future of motorsport. Its design, a blend of sheer speed and technical complexity, set a high standard for future racetracks and established Monza as a legendary venue for drivers and fans.
When was the first Grand Prix?
Monza officially opened its gates on September 3, 1922. This grand opening was strategically timed, just a week before the track hosted that year’s Italian Grand Prix.
Following its first race, as part of the inaugural Formula 1 World Championship in 1950, Monza has been a constant fixture in the Formula 1 calendar, hosting the Italian Grand Prix annually except for 1980. This near-unbroken streak speaks to the track’s ability to adapt and evolve with the sport and its deep-seated connection with the history of Formula 1. Over the years, Monza has not only been a venue for racing but has also become synonymous with the culture of Formula 1.
Monza Circuit lap record
The official lap record for the current F1 Grand Prix circuit layout is 1:10.540, set by Rubens Barrichello during the 2004 Italian Grand Prix driving for Ferrari.
Lewis Hamilton recorded the fastest pole position lap at Monza driving for Mercedes in 2020 when he lapped in 1:18.887.
