Temple of Speed. That's what Monza has been called for decades – and anyone who's ever been there knows it's no marketing ploy. The circuit north of Milan has hosted major races virtually continuously since 1922. It's where Ferrari makes history, where Tifosi redefine the word passion, and where every lap feels as deeply ingrained in the high-octane history of motorsport as the city itself is in the history of Italy.
Monza in numbers
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Length: 5.793 kilometers
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Curves: 11
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Opened: September 3, 1922
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F1 lap record: 1:21.046 (Rubens Barrichello, Ferrari, 2004)
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Full throttle percentage: approximately 80 percent of the lap
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Top speed: regularly over 360 km/h
1922: The third racetrack in the world
Monza is the third permanent race track in the world, after Brooklands (UK) and Indianapolis (USA). Built in just 100 days by 3,500 workers, it was opened on September 3, 1922, with the second Italian Grand Prix. Even then, Monza was an exceptional project: a 10-kilometer hybrid circuit combining a road section and a high-speed oval.
The banked curve – the legendary, disused section
Anyone who only knows Monza from television has probably never seen the old banked curve. The Pista di Alta Velocità was a banked oval where speeds of over 270 km/h were reached in the 1950s and 1960s – with an 80 percent incline.
The banked curve was removed from the F1 calendar in 1969 for safety reasons. The concrete still stands today, slightly weathered, but visible and accessible to fans. It is one of the most impressive places where motorsport history is still physically tangible.
Today's route: Full throttle and braking points
The current Monza layout is the purest full-throttle track on the F1 calendar. Long straights alternate with sharp chicanes and a few fast corners. For drivers, this means: concentration on a few, but absolutely crucial braking points.
Rettifilo-Tribüne
The first chicane after the start/finish straight. A combination that often becomes chaotic at the start of the first lap – and one that plays a decisive role in determining who finishes the race in front. The chicane has been modified several times to facilitate overtaking.
Lesmo I und II
Two fast right-hand bends that look harmless on paper, but are actually taken at speeds of 250 km/h and above. This is where it becomes clear who has a well-balanced car – and who doesn't.
Parabolic (Alboreto Curve)
The final act of each lap: a long right-hand bend, entered at high speed and consistently narrowed until the apex. Since 2021, the Parabolica has officially been named Curva Alboreto, in honor of the Italian F1 driver Michele Alboreto.
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Ferrari and Monza: a love affair
There's no other track in the world where Ferrari is celebrated like Monza. The Tifosi – as the Italian Ferrari fans are known – transform every F1 weekend into a sea of red. Flags, drums, flares, chants. Monza is a home race of the most emotional kind.
The most recent triumph: Charles Leclerc in 2024. The Monegasque driver won with a daring one-stop strategy, ahead of the McLarens. As he crossed the finish line, the track erupted in a way only Monza can. For many motorsport journalists, it was one of the most emotional moments in recent F1 history.
The greatest Monza victories
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1988 – Gerhard Berger & Michele Alboreto (Ferrari one-two finish shortly after the death of Enzo Ferrari)
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2000 – Michael Schumacher (first of five Monza victories for Ferrari in six years)
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2004 – Rubens Barrichello (F1 lap record that still stands today)
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2020 – Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri surprise victory, one of the most popular in recent F1 history)
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2024 – Charles Leclerc (Ferrari triumph after six years without a home win)
The weekend in Monza: what to expect
The Monza weekend is unlike any other F1 weekend. Traditionally, the Tifosi storm the track on Sunday after the race. The podium ceremony takes place directly beneath the podium, surrounded by tens of thousands of fans dressed in red. The atmosphere is more reminiscent of a football match than a motorsport event.
Convenience: Monza is located directly on the S-Train connection Milan–Como. Many fans live in Milan and travel by train. Parking is difficult – the train is clearly the better option.
Monza im Sim Racing
Monza is the perfect entry-level track for any sim racer. Few corners, clear braking points, long straights – you'll have the line down in an hour. The challenge lies in the last tenths of a second: carving the Parabolica perfectly without carrying that speed onto the start/finish straight can take years of practice.
Monza as a design object: minimalist elegance
The Monza circuit has a clear, almost geometric quality. The long straights, the symmetrical chicanes, and the final Parabolica make Monza one of the most aesthetically pleasing subjects for a 3D-printed track model. It's instantly recognizable on the wall – even for non-motorsport fans.
Combined with an Imola or Ferrari fan setup (red accents, black frame), it makes a clear statement. Our Monza frames are made in Germany with millimeter precision and also feature the original banked curve – a bonus for those who know what they're talking about.
FAQ about Monza
Why is Monza called the Temple of Speed?
Monza has the highest percentage of full throttle driving on the F1 calendar. Around 80 percent of every lap, an F1 driver is at full throttle. No other circuit achieves these figures over an entire lap.
Who holds the lap record at Monza?
Rubens Barrichello in the Ferrari F2004 set a time of 1:21.046 minutes. This record dates back to 2004 and has not been broken since – Monza's character as a pure full-throttle track has changed due to rule changes.
Can you drive yourself in Monza?
Yes. The Autodromo Nazionale Monza offers track days several times a year. Day passes start at around 400 euros with your own vehicle – there are also offers where you can rent Ferraris or Lamborghinis on site.
Ready to put your passion on display?
At AP10 Studios We create your favorite route as a 3D-printed frame — Made in Germany, with a true elevation profile and premium finish. More than 15,000 customers and partners already trust us. Use our Bundle Builder to create your own personalized route set and save money.
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