Monza to remain on F1 calendar as Italian GP host until 2031

Formula 1 has announced that the Monza circuit will remain as host of the Italian Grand Prix until the 2031 season.

The track set in a former royal park north of Milan has hosted the most F1 races since the world championship era began, with Monza holding the Italian GP every year since 1950 other than in 1980, when Imola held the event.

Monza’s current deal with F1 had been due to expire in 2025, after it was given a one-year extension back in 2020 to cover the circuit’s role in hosting races behind closed doors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am delighted that the Italian Grand Prix will remain on the calendar until 2031,” said F1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali.

“Monza is at the very heart of Formula 1 history and the atmosphere each year is unique as the Tifosi gather in huge numbers to cheer on Ferrari and the drivers.

“The recent upgrades to the circuit’s infrastructure and the planned investment show a strong commitment to the long-term future of Formula 1 in Italy, and I want to thank the President of the Automobile Club d’Italia, the Italian Government, and the Lombardy Region for their continued passion and commitment to our sport.

“I also want to pay tribute to our incredible fans across the country who support Formula 1 so passionately.”

Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton are the joint most-successful F1 drivers at Monza, with five Italian GP wins each.

The latter will attempt to emulate the former in winning an F1 world title with legendary Italian home team Ferrari next year, with Autosport sources suggesting that, as a result, Monza has been experiencing a surge in ticket demands for the 2025 race compared to its most recent edition.

The circuit has also been investing in its facilities in recent years, with a new track surface laid down ahead of the 2024 Italian GP won by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, while upgrades to the main pit building are expected ahead of next year’s race.

Monza also built new access tunnels and changed entrances ahead of this year’s event, with access for fans and event participants often a big problem for the race organisers, given the facility’s age.

The race’s setting was altered drastically ahead of the 2023 event, due to a series of severe thunderstorms resulting in some 10,000 trees – including many that overlooked the Lesmo section of the track and shaped much of Monza’s imposing character – being lost.

Italy currently holds two…