F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Monza €21 million revamp underway in bid to secure F1 future

Monza  circuit – Italy’s legendary Temple of Speed – is currently undergoing a major makeover that should help the venue secure its long-term presence on the Formula 1 calendar beyond 2025.

The renovation efforts come amidst ongoing discussions between Formula One Management and the promoters of the Italian Grand Prix, with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali emphasizing the need for "necessary" transformations to bring the track in line with modern F1 standards.

Monza, holding the honor of hosting all but one iteration of the Italian Grand Prix, holds a special place in Formula 1 history. Its iconic high-speed layout, with its sweeping curves and legendary Parabolica turn, has captivated fans for decades.

However, the circuit's infrastructure and facilities have not kept pace with the sport's evolution.

Delayed by the complexities of planning and procurement, the renovation project is now finally underway, marking a crucial step in the circuit’s bid to remain a permanent fixture on the F1 calendar. The work is scheduled to last an estimated 140 days, so will thus conclude in June.

The €21 million investment will encompass a series of upgrades, including asphalt resurfacing, drainage improvements, grandstand enhancements, and the construction of a new underpass.

These enhancements aim to elevate the spectator experience, improve the overall track conditions, and ensure that Monza remains a competitive venue for F1.

“Our main goal is to bring the Autodromo back up to speed,” commented on Monday the President of the Automobile Club d’Italia Angelo Sticchi Damiani

“We can no longer afford to have problems with the flow of fans, and we must offer greater comfort to those who come to the circuit. We have set ourselves three goals to best meet the requests made to us, and of these the first is the underpasses.

“The second goal is related to the grandstands. We still have several temporary structures, so we will build more solid structures that will provide all the amenities in line with what a spectator expects today.

“Each grandstand will be an island with all the necessary services inside, so that the public will not have to move around.

“Finally, a permanent type of roofing will be built over the pit building (it is currently a tensile structure). The support pillars will be reinforced because the structure will grow in height.

“By the end of June everything must be ready to host all the events scheduled from early July, up to the most important one which is the Italian GP.”

Domenicali underscored how the renovations to the pit building are particularly crucial for Formula 1 as they will undoubtedly enhance their premium hospitality experiences in the Paddock Club.

“We need to be able to receive our guests in a proper structure and no longer under a tent, as it was until last year,” he commented.

“In addition to this, there are obviously other interventions needed for the future. Monza has a great tradition but we must also look ahead and propose the racetrack at the level of the other world championship tracks.

“I want to thank the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the President of Lombardy, the President of the Automobile Club of Italy and the Mayor of Monza for the effort that led to this announcement and to making the investments possible.

“I look forward to seeing these works completed in time for the Grand Prix Italy in September and I hope that the entire work program will continue in the coming years”.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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