The 2026 Formula 1 championship is set to intensify at the Italian Grand Prix, where the current points leader, Kimi Antonelli, will be forced to start from the back of the grid after a mandatory power‑unit replacement. Antonelli currently enjoys a 59‑point cushion over his nearest challenger, George Russell, and a 59‑point lead over the legendary Lewis Hamilton in the Drivers' Championship.
However, the real danger may come from Lando Norris, who trails by 83 points but has captured victory in the previous two rounds, suggesting he could mount a serious challenge if Antonelli’s pace is compromised at Monza. Given the improbability of Antonelli clinching a win from the rear at the high‑speed circuit of Monza, his rivals have a golden opportunity to chip away at his lead.
The Italian fans, known as the Tifosi, will be out in force to support Ferrari on their home turf. Ferrari is expected to fit fresh power units into the cars of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, but unlike several other teams, they will not be penalised on the starting grid for those changes. The team hopes the extra horsepower will restore their winning form after disappointing outings in Hungary and the Netherlands—tracks where pre‑race analysis had predicted strong Ferrari performances.
Last year’s winner at Monza was Max Verstappen, and Red Bull Racing will be looking to replicate that success this weekend, buoyed by a competitive engine package. 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 1950 season, alongside Monaco, Silverstone and Spa‑Francorchamps.
Its nickname, the "Temple of Speed," stems from its exceptionally long straights that allow cars to reach blistering top speeds. 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 the tight Turn 4 complex. After that, drivers negotiate two 90‑degree right‑handers collectively called the Lesmos, before heading down another lengthy straight that leads into the Ascari Chicane.
The final corner, the iconic Parabolica, is a sweeping, high‑speed bend that tests a driver’s bravery and car stability. Weather forecasts for the weekend are optimistic, with clear skies expected throughout the three days of racing and ambient temperatures hovering around 30 °C. No rain is predicted, meaning teams can focus on aerodynamic set‑ups and tyre strategies without the added variable of wet conditions.
The official schedule is as follows: Thursday 3 September – 13:00 Drivers’ Press Conference; 16:00 Paddock Uncut. Friday 4 September – 07:30 F3 Practice; 08:55 F2 Practice; 11:00 Italian GP Practice 1 (starts at 23:30 GMT); 12:55 F3 Qualifying; 13:50 F2 Qualifying; 14:35 Italian GP Practice 2 (starts at 15:00 GMT); 16:15 The F1 Show; 17:20 Team Bosses’ Press Conference. Saturday 5 September – 08:25 F3 Sprint; 11:15 Italian GP Practice 3 (starts at 11:30 GMT); 13:10 F2 Sprint; 14:15 Italian GP Qualifying Build‑up; 15:00 ITALIAN GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*; 17:00 Ted’s Qualifying Notebook. Sunday 6 September – 07:10 F3 Feature Race; 08:40 F2 Feature Race; 10:40 Porsche Supercup Race; 12:30 Grand Prix Build‑up; 14:00 THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX; 16:00 Chequered Flag Reaction; 17:00 Ted’s Notebook.
*All qualifying sessions are also broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event. For viewers, Sky Sports offers several ways to watch. Sky subscribers can tune in to Sky Sports F1 from the first practice session on Friday morning through to the race itself on Sunday at 14:00.
The Sky Sports app provides an additional option, allowing fans to stream the coverage and even select an on‑board camera feed from any driver of their choosing. Non‑Sky customers are not left out; they can access the live action via the NOW streaming service, either with a day‑pass or a flexible month‑to‑month membership that can be cancelled at any time.
A dedicated F1 live blog is also available for those who prefer text updates while on the move. Sky Sports subscribers also benefit from a suite of extra features, including a Sky ID help guide for account setup, and instant access to all twelve Sky Sports channels plus the premium Sky Sports+ streams through the NOW app. The service supports more than 60 devices, offering contract‑free membership options that can be terminated without penalty.
Viewers can choose between a monthly or daily pass, with the latest pricing displayed on the NOW website. In summary, the Italian Grand Prix at Monza promises a thrilling weekend of high‑speed drama, strategic intrigue, and a pivotal moment in the 2026 championship battle. Whether you are a die‑hard Ferrari supporter, a Red Bull enthusiast, or simply a fan of the sport’s rich heritage, Sky Sports provides comprehensive coverage across television, app, and streaming platforms, ensuring you won’t miss a single moment of the action.