Ferrari's Monza push: full Italian Grand Prix formula schedule
The 2026 Italian Grand Prix formula schedule runs September 4–6 at Autodromo Nazionale Monza, where Ferrari must close the gap on Mercedes and McLaren on home soil. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli faces a grid penalty, while Lewis Hamilton says the team must "turn up the heat." Practice, qualifying, and the 14:00 BST race anchor a regular weekend after summer break.
Formula 1 returns from its summer pause straight to the "Temple of Speed." After Lando Norris won back-to-back at Zandvoort to open the second half of the season, all eyes turn to Ferrari's home race — one of the calendar's fastest and most emotional stops for the tifosi.
Key Takeaways
- The Italian Grand Prix formula schedule is September 4–6 at Monza, with all sessions in BST.
- Kimi Antonelli leads the 2026 championship by 59 points but takes a grid penalty for a new engine at his home race.
- Ferrari sits second in the constructors' standings; Lewis Hamilton says the team must "turn up the heat" on Mercedes and McLaren.
- Formula 2 and Formula 3 share the weekend with sprint and feature races before Sunday's Grand Prix.
- Sunny skies and highs near 32°C are forecast all weekend with zero chance of rain.
What is the full Italian Grand Prix formula schedule?
Unlike the shortened Zandvoort format, Monza is a standard weekend with three free practice sessions, qualifying, and Sunday's race. Young drivers also join FP1 — Luke Browning will drive Alex Albon's Williams during Friday's first session, per Yahoo Sports.
Formula 2 and Formula 3 are on the bill too. Each feeder series holds one free practice and qualifying on Friday. Saturday brings both sprint races, followed by the F3 and F2 feature races ahead of the main event.
All times below are British Summer Time (BST), as published by ESPN:
- Friday, September 4: Practice One 11:30–12:30; Practice Two 15:00–16:00
- Saturday, September 5: Practice Three 11:30–12:30; Qualifying 15:00–16:00
- Sunday, September 6: Italian Grand Prix 14:00
How can fans watch the 2026 Italian Grand Prix?
In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports holds exclusive live rights, with every session on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event. Non-subscribers can catch highlights on free-to-air Channel 4.
United States viewers can stream every session on Apple TV through the platform's dedicated F1 channel. For more live sports coverage, browse our Celebrity Breaking News hub.
What weather is forecast for Ferrari's Monza home race?
Williams F1's weekend forecast calls for sunny skies and light winds throughout, with zero chance of precipitation. Highs climb from 30°C on Friday through 31°C on Saturday to 32°C on race day — conditions that match Monza's reputation for warm late-summer running in northern Italy.
Can Ferrari challenge Mercedes and McLaren at Monza?
Antonelli leads the drivers' championship after six wins, but George Russell and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton sit tied for second, 59 points back. The Italian youngster's engine penalty could reshape the front of the grid at Monza, a circuit that rewards straight-line speed.
Hamilton told GPblog that Ferrari is "still second in the Constructors' Championship" with positives from the first half, but added: "The next ones, we really need to turn up the heat if we're going to have any chance of getting these guys" — referring to Mercedes and McLaren.
McLaren boss Andrea Stella has called Monza a true benchmark for his team's upgrades. Ferrari will be hungry for a home win, yet history shows Mercedes and cars strong on high-speed corners often thrive at the 53-lap, 306 km event.