F1 Italian GP: schedule, broadcast, and highlights of the Monza race

Formula 1 arrives in Monza for the Italian Grand Prix, the 16th round of the 2025 season, taking place from September 5 to 7 at the iconic Monza International Circuit in northern Italy. Led by McLaren’s Australian driver Oscar Piastri, the championship reaches a critical stage with intense battles and high expectations from Italian fans for a Ferrari victory, a team that has historically dominated the event with 20 wins. The race will be broadcast live on Band, BandSports, and F1TV, covering free practices, qualifying, and the main race. Held since 1950, the event is one of the most prestigious in global motorsport, with Brazil standing out with 10 victories in its history. This year, grid penalties, such as Lando Norris’s, and pressure on drivers like Lewis Hamilton promise to shake up the competition.

The Monza circuit, known as the “Temple of Speed,” is one of the fastest on the calendar, featuring long straights and challenging corners. The 2025 race marks the 76th edition of the Italian GP, which has only left Monza once, in 1980, for Imola. Ferrari, with its legion of “tifosi” fans, hopes to repeat its 2024 success, while drivers like Piastri aim to solidify their championship positions.

• Key highlights of the Italian GP:
• Oscar Piastri leads with a 34-point advantage.
• Lando Norris faces a 10-position grid penalty.
• Lewis Hamilton’s performance under scrutiny at Monza.

The 2025 season has been dominated by McLaren, with Piastri leading and Norris in second. Ferrari, racing at home, relies on its victorious history to challenge the leaders, while Hamilton and others aim to close the gap.

Monza’s history and Ferrari’s strength

The Monza International Circuit, built in 1950, is one of Formula 1’s most iconic venues. With a 5.793 km layout, it combines high-speed straights, like the main straight, with technical corners like the Parabolica. Ferrari, with 20 Italian GP victories, is the local powerhouse, fueled by the passion of the tifosi, who fill the stands with red flags.

The Italian GP’s history is filled with unforgettable moments. Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton lead among drivers with five wins each, while Brazil shines with drivers like Nelson Piquet, Ayrton Senna, and Rubens Barrichello, totaling 10 victories. In 2024, Ferrari won at home, reigniting fan enthusiasm for 2025.

• Italian GP historical records:
• Ferrari: 20 victories, the most successful team.
• Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton: 5 wins each.
• Brazil: 10 wins, tied with Germany.
• Latest edition: Ferrari triumphed in 2024.

The circuit is also known for its unique atmosphere, with Italian fans creating a spectacle. The pressure on Ferrari is immense as they aim to maintain their dominance at Monza against rivals like McLaren and Mercedes.

Full schedule and broadcast options

The 2025 Italian Grand Prix kicks off on Friday, September 5, with free practice sessions to fine-tune cars for the circuit. On Saturday, Free Practice 3 and qualifying set the starting grid, while the main race takes place on Sunday at 10 a.m. (Brasília time). Band, BandSports, and F1TV will broadcast all sessions live, ensuring full access for Brazilian fans.

• Italian GP schedule:
• Friday, September 5: Free Practice 1 (8:30 a.m.), Free Practice 2 (12 p.m.).
• Saturday, September 6: Free Practice 3 (7:30 a.m.), Qualifying (11 a.m.).
• Sunday, September 7: Race (10 a.m.).

Fans can watch via Band’s free-to-air broadcast or F1TV’s streaming service, which offers onboard cameras and detailed analysis. BandSports also covers all sessions, focusing on behind-the-scenes content and exclusive interviews. The live broadcast captures Monza’s excitement, especially during starts, where long straights often lead to thrilling overtakes.

Coverage includes pre- and post-race analysis, with commentators breaking down team strategies and individual performances. For Brazilians, Gabriel Bortoleto’s presence, despite recent European criticism, adds extra intrigue.

Current performance and grid penalties

Oscar Piastri arrives at Monza as the championship leader, 34 points ahead of teammate Lando Norris at McLaren. Norris’s 10-position grid penalty due to a power unit change could hinder his podium chances, though McLaren remains a favorite. Lewis Hamilton, of Mercedes, also faces a grid penalty, increasing the pressure on the seven-time champion at a track where he has won five times.

Ferrari, racing at home, counts on its driver lineup to chase victory. In 2024, the Italian team secured the top step, and expectations are high for a repeat with the tifosi’s support. Other teams, like Red Bull and Aston Martin, are also in the fight for crucial points as the championship nears its final stretch.

• Factors that could shape the race:
• Lando Norris’s penalty: 10 grid positions.
• Ferrari’s home strength: 20 historical wins.
• Monza’s speed: favors cars with strong aerodynamics.
• Weather: Dry conditions expected, ideal for fast racing.

The mix of penalties, rivalries, and the high-speed track creates an unpredictable scenario for the Italian GP, with potential for podium surprises.

Italian GP curiosities

The Italian Grand Prix is more than a race; it’s a cultural event drawing thousands to Monza. The tifosi’s passion for Ferrari turns the stands into a sea of red, with chants and flags celebrating the Italian team. The circuit, one of F1’s oldest, remains a cornerstone of the sport even after decades.

• Notable facts about Monza:
• Built: Opened in 1950, one of F1’s oldest tracks.
• Nickname: “Temple of Speed” due to its high-speed straights.
• Tifosi: Ferrari’s fanatical supporters create a unique vibe.
• Attendance: Monza often draws over 100,000 spectators.

Brazil’s contribution to the GP’s history is significant, with drivers like Senna and Barrichello leaving their mark through memorable wins. Brazilian fans closely follow the new generation, like Gabriel Bortoleto, aiming to make a name in the sport.

The Italian GP is also known for thrilling races, with overtakes on the main straight and pit-stop strategies that can shift the race’s outcome. The 2025 edition promises to uphold this tradition, with McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes rivalries taking center stage.

Expectations for the 2025 race

The 2025 Italian GP arrives with high expectations, driven by the tight championship battle and Monza’s unique atmosphere. McLaren, with Piastri leading, aims to maintain its edge, while Ferrari dreams of a home win to thrill the tifosi. Penalties for Norris and Hamilton could open doors for other drivers, like those from Red Bull or Aston Martin, to surprise on the podium.

Monza’s track, with its unique demands for speed and stability, makes car setup strategies critical. Teams that excel in free practice will gain an edge in qualifying, especially at a circuit where pole position often leads to victory.

• Key elements to watch in the race:
• McLaren’s performance: Piastri and Norris are favorites despite penalties.
• Ferrari’s strength: Fan support could boost the team.
• Grid surprises: Penalties may favor underdog drivers.

With the season nearing its climax, the Italian GP will be a pivotal moment for drivers and teams in the 2025 title fight. The blend of history, speed, and rivalry promises an unforgettable race.