The showdown for the 2026 Formula 1 championship is set to intensify at the Italian Grand Prix, where the series leader, Kimi Antonelli, will be forced to start from the back of the grid after swapping his power unit. Antonelli currently enjoys a 59‑point lead over George Russell and Lewis Hamilton in the drivers' standings, yet his most immediate challenger could be Lando Norris.
Norris trails by 83 points but has captured victory in the previous two races, suggesting he may pose a serious threat despite the points gap. Given Antonelli’s unlikely chances of a win at the high‑speed circuit of Monza, his rivals have a prime opportunity to chip away at his lead. The Italian fans, known as the Tifosi, will be out in full force to support Ferrari, which is expected to fit fresh engines into the cars of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton for the weekend. Importantly, Ferrari will not be penalised with grid drops, allowing them to start from their earned positions.
The team hopes the upgraded power units will restore them to a winning rhythm after disappointing outings in Hungary and the Netherlands—two tracks where Ferrari had been tipped to perform strongly. Last year’s victor at Monza was Max Verstappen, and Red Bull’s strong engine package could see them back near the front of the field this weekend. Monza holds a special place in Formula 1 history: it is one of only four circuits that have featured on every World Championship calendar since the inaugural season in 1950, alongside Monaco, Silverstone and Spa‑Francorchamps.
Its nickname, the “Temple of Speed,” reflects the long straights that reward outright power and low‑drag setups. The most common overtaking zone is the first chicane after the start‑finish straight, but battles frequently spill into the Curva Grande and continue through Turn 4. After that, drivers face two tight 90‑degree right‑handers known as the Lesmos, followed by another lengthy straight leading to the Ascari chicane. The final high‑speed corner, the Parabolica, provides one last chance for daring moves before the run‑down to the finish line.
Weather forecasts for the weekend are favourable, with clear skies predicted for all three days and ambient temperatures hovering around 30 °C. Rain is not expected to interfere with the on‑track action, allowing teams to run their optimal aerodynamic packages without concern for wet‑weather adjustments. **Weekend Schedule** *Thursday 3 September* – 13:00 hrs: Drivers’ press conference; 16:00 hrs: Paddock Uncut. *Friday 4 September* – 07:30 hrs: Formula 3 practice; 08:55 hrs: Formula 2 practice; 11:00 hrs: Italian Grand Prix Practice 1 (starts at 23:30 GMT); 12:55 hrs: F3 qualifying; 13:50 hrs: F2 qualifying; 14:35 hrs: Italian Grand Prix Practice 2 (starts at 15:00 GMT); 16:15 hrs: The F1 Show; 17:20 hrs: Team bosses’ press conference.
*Saturday 5 September* – 08:25 hrs: F3 sprint; 11:15 hrs: Italian Grand Prix Practice 3 (starts at 11:30 GMT); 13:10 hrs: F2 sprint; 14:15 hrs: Build‑up to qualifying; 15:00 hrs: Italian Grand Prix qualifying (also on Sky Sports Main Event); 17:00 hrs: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook. *Sunday 6 September* – 07:10 hrs: F3 feature race; 08:40 hrs: F2 feature race; 10:40 hrs: Porsche Supercup race; 12:30 hrs: Grand Prix Sunday build‑up; 14:00 hrs: The Italian Grand Prix; 16:00 hrs: Chequered‑flag reaction; 17:00 hrs: Ted’s Notebook. **How to Watch** *Television* – Sky Sports F1 will broadcast every session, from Friday’s first practice through to the race on Sunday at 14:00 hrs. Existing Sky customers can tune in on the main Sky Sports channel.
*App* – Sky subscribers may also stream the action via the Sky Sports app, which even offers the option to follow a specific driver’s onboard feed for a more immersive experience. *Streaming* – Viewers without a Sky subscription can access the weekend’s coverage through the NOW service, available as a day‑pass or a flexible month‑to‑month membership that can be cancelled at any time. *Live Blog* – For fans on the move, a dedicated F1 live‑blog provides minute‑by‑minute updates throughout the weekend.
*Highlights* – After the race, Sky Sports app users can watch short highlight reels shortly after the chequered flag falls. **Additional Sky Sports Benefits** Sky customers receive support for Sky ID setup, ensuring a smooth login experience across devices.
NOW, the instant streaming platform, grants access to all twelve Sky Sports channels, every Sky Sports+ stream, and a host of additional content. The service works on more than 60 devices, and its contract‑free plans let users cancel whenever they wish.
Membership can be purchased for a single day or a full month; current pricing details are available on the NOW website. In summary, the Italian Grand Prix at Monza promises high drama both on the track and in the championship battle. With a packed schedule, a supportive home crowd for Ferrari, and multiple ways to watch—whether via traditional Sky TV, the Sky Sports app, or the flexible NOW streaming service—fans have plenty of options to follow every twist and turn of this iconic race.