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Tyres NorthamptonThis weekend, Formula One's tripleheader reaches its final act with a race around the temple of speed, Monza. The 2022 Italian Grand Prix will see some of the highest speeds in the F1 season down the circuit that's famed for its fast layout and fanatical Ferrari support by the loyal Tifosi.
Max Verstappen has won the two Grands Prix since the summer break and is currently on a four-race victory run heading to Ferrari's home event. However, he hasn't even made the podium in his previous visits to Monza, let alone taken to the top step, so perhaps the Tifosi have some reason to be hopeful when the pinnacle of motorsport visits the classic Italian track.
Every time F1 heads to Monza, it's all about finding the best aerodynamic setup. Although the long straights dominate the Monza circuit, several high-speed corners require as much grip as possible for drivers to navigate them safely while not losing lap time. For the 2022 Italian Grand Prix, Formula One's new ground effect aerodynamics could create opportunities for all 20 drivers.
Any teams that can generate the grip to handle the 180-degree Curva Parobolica (now called Curva Alboreto) and the two Lesmo corners without needing to add downforce to their front and rear wings will be sitting in a strong position. The track is like none other on the F1 calendar, and how the 2022 cars will tackle it with their new aerodynamic packages (and porpoising) will be a talking point from Friday's first practice session.
The middle-of-the-road Pirelli tyres will be those available at Monza, with the Italian manufacturer bringing the C2, C3, and C4 compounds to their home event. The Dutch Grand Prix was the latest demonstration of the possible tyre strategy variations with the new 18-inch tyres for 2022, and the Italian Grand Prix should see the same.
Expect to see a lot of Pirelli branding at the Italian Grand Prix. The Grand Prix is their home race in their 150th year as a company. Although they're guaranteed victory irrespective of who crosses the line first, their marketing department will undoubtedly seize the opportunity to celebrate.
The track won't see rain on Saturday or Sunday, so if the Intermediate or Wet weather tyres are required, they'll be used during Friday's two practice sessions, if at all.
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Anyone who has watched a race in 2022 will know that Max Verstappen is the most likely winner of every Grand Prix this season. However, some factors suggest it might not be a simple Sunday drive around Milan this time.
Firstly, the last two winners have been massive surprises. Daniel Ricciardo took the top prize last year. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton famously collided, and Verstappen's Red Bull ended up sitting atop Hamilton's Mercedes. However, the crash wasn't the reason for Ricciardo's win. The McLaren driver took the lead at Turn 1 and would've likely won irrespective of the championship hopefuls' collision.
One year earlier, Pierre Gasly took the race win – his sole victory in his career so far. That time, an error from the Mercedes pit wall lost Hamilton the lead and let Carlos Sainz's McLaren and Gasly's AlphaTauri duel it out instead. McLaren may fancy their chances after Sainz and Ricciardo's recent Monza antics – the British team seems to have found an affinity with the track in recent years.
Ferrari and Mercedes are a threat to Verstappen, too. Silverstone and Paul Ricard share some characteristics with Monza by being fast and flat, with top speeds crucial for getting a good lap in. Charles Leclerc looked set to win in France before his self-inflicted crash, and Sainz survived a Hamilton charge at Silverstone. So perhaps Ferrari could find some cheer in what has become a catastrophic season. Verstappen may be the bookies' favourite, but it might not be as clear-cut as it first appears.
It's lights out at 2PM on Sunday for the Italian Grand Prix
Qualifying – On air: 2PM, Session start: 3PM Saturday 10th September
Race – On air: 12:30PM, Session start: 2PM Sunday 11th September
As with the other European races, Channel 4 will show the highlights of Qualifying and the Grand Prix at 6:30PM on Saturday and Sunday
Qualifying – 6:30PM Saturday 10th September
Race – 6:30PM Sunday 11th September
Qualifying & Race – Rain is expected on Friday morning, but forecasts predict it will clear up well before Qualifying or the race. Temperatures will reach the upper 20s, with mostly sunny skies overhead, so tyre degradation shouldn't be as high as in some other races in 2022. Nonetheless, multiple strategies could be a factor in Monza.
