Formula 1 Travel Guide

The Temple of Speed

Monza is one of Formula 1’s oldest and fastest circuits. Known as the “Temple of Speed,” it is home to passionate Tifosi and delivers some of the sport’s most thrilling races.

Circuit Layout & Stats

Official track layout for the Italian Grand Prix.

Autodromo Nazionale Monza Stats

• First GP: 1950
• Track Length: 5.793 km
• Laps: 53
• Race Distance: 306.720 km
• Race Lap Record: 1:21.046 – Rubens Barrichello (2004)
• Pole Position Record: 1:18.792 – Max Verstappen (2025)

Race Dates & History

The Monza Italy Formula 1 Pirelli Gran Premio D’Italia is listed as round 16 on the Grand Prix calendar. The Autodromo Nazionale Monza was first constructed in 1922 and built in just 110 days. It is considered to be one of the oldest and most iconic race tracks, whose iconic nick name is “The Speed of Temple”. It hosted its first Grand Prix event just 1 week after opening. Monza is well known to be the world’s third purpose build auto racetrack. Monza has been part of the original Formula 1 calendar since 1950 and has hosted the Grand Prix each and every year (excluding 1 year only) since. Due to the design of this track cars largely spend their time in the race on full throttle reaching speeds well over 350km/h.

Monza racetrack is officially known as Autodromo Nazionale Monza is located just outside the city of Milan. The Monza circuit is an iconic location for racing due to the drivers constant battle between speed and physics resulting from the intense corners and limitations of cars.

Accessibility

The most effective way to get to Monza from Milan is by using Italy’s wonderful train network. Trains run to and from Monza every 20 minutes and cost effective per person at approx. 5.50 Euro per person and takes about 12-15 mins from Milano Centrale. Once you arrive at Monza follow the signs to access the shuttle bus to the autodromo.

Accommodation

Monza and nearby Milan offer a variety of accommodation tiers, from boutique and mid-range stays in Milan’s city centre to luxury hotels closer to the circuit.

During GP weekends, prices for 3-star hotels in Milan can start around €180-€300 per night (twin share) for mid-range options, whereas premium hotels or hospitality packages near the circuit fetch much higher rates.

For budget conscious fans, staying further out (or using hostels), booking early, or choosing days outside the Saturday/Sunday peak can reduce costs. Also, Milan hotels fill up quickly, so reservations well ahead of time are strongly advised.

City & Circuit Highlights

• High-speed straights and historic corners like Parabolica and Lesmo.
• Close to Milan, Italy’s fashion and cultural hub.
• Italian cuisine, Lake Como, and cultural landmarks nearby.
• Tifosi atmosphere — one of the most passionate fanbases in the world.

Indicative Travel Costs (from Adelaide, full race weekend Wed–Mon)