The first track was constructed from May to July 1922 by 3,500 workers, financed by the Milan Automobile Club. This initial layout featured a 4.490 km (2.790 mi) paved oval and a 5.500 km (3.418 mi) road course. These could be combined via a shared front straight to form a 10.000 km (6.214 mi) course. The track officially opened on September 3, 1922, hosting its maiden race, the second Italian Grand Prix, on September 10, 1922. Monza's proximity to Milan, a major economic and metropolitan center, made it a convenient location for racing.
In 1928, a severe accident at the Italian Grand Prix resulted in the death of driver Emilio Materassi and 27 spectators. This led to Grand Prix races being confined to the high-speed loop until 1932. The Italian Grand Prix was not held again until 1931, with the 1930 Monza Grand Prix using only the high-speed ring. The 1933 Italian Grand Prix used the original complete layout, but was marred by the deaths of three drivers—Giuseppe Campari, Mario Umberto Borzacchini, and Stanisław Czaykowski—in the supporting Monza Grand Prix, held on the shorter oval circuit. This day became known as the "Black Day of Monza."
Following these fatalities, the Grand Prix layout was changed in 1934 to a short circuit with two lanes of the straight line joined by a hairpin, the Curva Sud of the banking (with a double chicane) driven in the opposite direction, the "Florio link," and the Curva Sud (with a small chicane). This configuration was deemed too slow, and in 1935, the Florio Circuit was used again, this time with four temporary chicanes and one permanent chicane along the Curva Sud of the banking. By 1938, only the permanent chicane remained.
Major rebuilding occurred in 1938–39, which included new stands and entrances, track resurfacing, the removal of the high-speed ring, and the addition of two new bends on the southern part of the circuit. This resulted in a 6.300 km (3.915 mi) Grand Prix lap, which was used until 1954. Racing was suspended during World War II, and parts of the circuit deteriorated due to lack of maintenance and military use. Monza was renovated over two months in early 1948, and a Grand Prix was held on October 17, 1948.
In 1954, a comprehensive revamp of the circuit began. This created a 5.750 km (3.573 mi) road course and a new 4.250 km (2.641 mi) high-speed oval with banked sopraelevata curves, with the southern banking moved slightly north. These two circuits could be combined to form a 10.000 km (6.214 mi) long circuit, with cars running parallel on the main straight. The first Lesmo curve was modified for increased speed, and track infrastructure and facilities were updated.
The Automobile Club of Italy hosted the "Race of Two Worlds" exhibition competitions on the oval in 1957 and 1958. These events, colloquially known as the Monzanapolis series, aimed to pit United States Auto Club IndyCars against European Formula One and sports cars. Concerns about the safety of flat-out racing on the banking were raised by European drivers, leading to only Ecurie Ecosse and Maserati representing Europe in the first running. American teams brought reinforced Firestone tires, but these affected the Maseratis' steering, leading to their withdrawal. Ecurie Ecosse's Jaguar D-type sports cars used Le Mans-specification tires without issues, but raced at reduced speeds to conserve them, and were outpaced. In 1957, Jimmy Bryan won two heats in his Kuzma-Offenhauser, and Troy Ruttman won the third in a Watson-Offenhauser. In 1958, Jaguar, Ferrari, and Maserati teams participated alongside Indy roadsters, but American cars again dominated, with Jim Rathmann winning all three races in a Watson-Offenhauser.
Formula One used the 10.000 km (6.214 mi) high-speed track in the 1955, 1956, 1960, and 1961 Grands Prix. Stirling Moss and Phil Hill each won twice during this period, with Hill's Monza victory making him the first American to win a Formula One race. The combined circuit was not used for three years after 1956 due to mechanical issues experienced by Ferraris and Maseratis on the banking. It was reinstated in 1960 to maximize Ferrari's straight-line speed advantage that year. The 1961 race saw the death of Wolfgang von Trips and fifteen spectators when his car, after colliding with Jim Clark's Lotus, went airborne into the barriers near the Parabolica.
Although the 1961 accident did not occur on the oval section, the high speeds were deemed unsafe, and Formula One's use of the oval ended. An attempt to use the combined circuit for the 1963 race was met with protests from teams due to the extremely bumpy nature and poor quality of the concrete banking, which caused mechanical failures. Teams threatened to withdraw unless only the road circuit was used, which ultimately happened. Subsequent Grands Prix were held on the shorter road circuit. The banking made a final appearance in the film Grand Prix. Before the next race, new safety walls, rails, and fences were installed, and the refueling area was moved. Chicanes were added before both bankings in 1966. Another fatality in the 1968 1000 km Monza race led to the addition of run-off areas to the curves, and the track layout was changed the following year to incorporate permanent chicanes before the banked curves, extending the track length by 100 m (110 yd).
The combined circuit hosted its last major race in 1969 with the 1000 km of Monza, after which the event moved solely to the road circuit. The banking has not been used for any major races since. It still exists, though in a decayed state, having escaped demolition in the 1990s. It is used annually for the Monza Rally, which was part of the 2021 World Rally Championship, marking its first FIA championship event since 1969. The banked oval was also used for record-breaking attempts until the late 1960s, serving as a significant suspension and tire test for production cars seeking endurance records, such as the Ford Corsair GT, which captured 13 records in 1964.
Both car and Grand Prix motorcycle racing were regular attractions at Monza, often producing close finishes due to slipstreaming, notably in 1967, 1969, and 1971. As vehicle speeds increased, two chicanes were added in 1972 to reduce racing speeds: the Variante del Rettifilo on the start/finish straight and the Variante Ascari. This resulted in a new circuit length of 5.755 km (3.576 mi). Grand Prix motorcycles continued to use the un-slowed road track until two serious accidents in 1973 resulted in five deaths, including Renzo Pasolini and Jarno Saarinen. Motorcycle racing did not return to Monza until 1981. The 1972 chicanes were soon found to be ineffective for cars; the Vialone was remade in 1974, the Curva Grande in 1976, and a third chicane was added before the Lesmo in 1976, along with extended run-off areas. These alterations increased the Grand Prix lap to 5.800 km (3.604 mi).
With technology continuing to increase vehicle speeds, the track was modified again in 1979 with added safety measures such as new kerbs, extended run-off areas, and tire barriers. Infrastructure improvements included pits for 46 cars and upgraded paddock and scrutineering facilities. These changes encouraged world championship motorcycling to return in 1981, but further safety work continued through the 1980s. The podium, paddock, pits complex, stands, and campsite were also rebuilt or improved during this decade.
Following the deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger at Imola in 1994, motorsport became more safety-conscious. Monza's three main long curves were "squeezed" to install larger gravel traps, shortening the lap to 5.770 km (3.585 mi). In 1997, stands were reworked to expand capacity to 51,000. In 2000, the chicane on the main straight was altered from a double left-right to a single right-left chicane in an attempt to reduce frequent accidents at starts, though it is still considered unsafe for motorcycle racing. The second chicane was also re-profiled. In the 2000 Formula 1 Grand Prix, the first to use these new chicanes, fire marshal Paolo Gislimberti was killed by flying debris after a pileup at the second chicane.
In 2007, the run-off area at the second chicane was changed from gravel to asphalt. The current track configuration is 5.793 km (3.600 mi). At the 2010 Monza Superbike World Championship round, Max Biaggi set the fastest motorcycle lap of Monza with a 1:42.121 pole position time on his Aprilia RSV4 1000 F. In 2011 Superpole qualification, he improved this to 1:41.745, reaching speeds over 330 km/h (210 mph).
In late 2016, plans for a new first bend were made, which would have bypassed the first chicane and the Curva Grande, leading drivers through a fast right-hand kink into a new, faster chicane. This work was planned for completion by 2017 in hopes of a renewed Formula 1 contract. Gravel was also to return to the run-off area at the Parabolica bend. However, these plans were suspended due to the track's location within the historic Monza Park. Ahead of the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, Monza Circuit underwent significant changes, including a full track resurfacing and facility improvements. This led to the WEC 6 Hours of Monza being moved to the Imola Circuit.
Monza is known for its high-speed, simplistic nature, contrasting with tighter street circuits like Singapore or Monaco. It has been the fastest track on the Formula One calendar since 1991, characterized by long straights and tight chicanes that demand good braking stability and traction. The 5.793 km (3.600 mi) circuit is demanding on engines, with Formula 1 engines at full throttle for nearly 80% of the lap, leading to common engine failures, such as Fernando Alonso in 2006 or Nico Rosberg in 2015.
Drivers achieve high speeds, reaching 372 km/h (231 mph) during the mid-2000s V10 engine era. In 2012, with 2.4L V8 engines, top speeds rarely exceeded 340 km/h (210 mph). The 2014 1.6L turbocharged hybrid V6 engine, with reduced-downforce, saw top speeds up to 360 km/h (220 mph). The circuit is generally flat, with a gradual gradient from the second Lesmos to the Variante Ascari. Due to the low aerodynamic profile required, grip is very low, making understeer a more serious issue than at other circuits, though oversteer is also present in the second sector, requiring a distinctive opposite lock technique. Maximum power and minimal drag are crucial for speed on the straights, favoring competitors with sufficient power or aerodynamic efficiency.
Formula One cars are set up with minimal wing angles to ensure the lowest drag on the straights. Monza has only six corner complexes: the first two chicanes, the two Lesmos, the Ascari complex, and the Parabolica. Cars are thus configured for maximum straight-line performance. Cars approach the first corner at 340 km/h (210 mph) in eighth gear, braking about 120 m (130 yd) before the Variante del Rettifilo, entering at 86 km/h (53 mph) in second gear and exiting at 72 km/h (45 mph) in second gear. This chicane is a frequent site of first-lap accidents. Higher kerbs were installed at the first two chicanes in 2009 to prevent cutting.
Good traction out of the first corner is essential for a fast lap. Maintaining speed through the first chicane by driving the straightest line is crucial, as errors here can significantly impact time through the Curva Grande down to the Variante della Roggia chicane, approached in eighth gear at 330 km/h (210 mph). The braking point is just under the bridge. The kerbs are severe, making it easy for a car to become unbalanced and for a driver to lose control, as Kimi Räikkönen did in 2005. This chicane is considered the best overtaking opportunity on the lap due to its "slow corner, long straight, slow corner" characteristic.
The Curva di Lesmo are two challenging corners, though not as fast as they once were. The first is blind, entered at 273 km/h (170 mph) in sixth gear, apexing at 217 km/h (135 mph), and has a slight banking. The second is a seventh-gear entry at 278 km/h (173 mph), apexing in fifth gear at 203.5 km/h (126.4 mph), requiring full use of the kerb. Mistakes here can lead to a spin into the gravel, while good exits can set up an overtaking move into Variante Ascari.
The downhill approach to Variante Ascari, particularly under the bridge, is known for its uneven surface. The Variante Ascari chicane is considered one of the circuit's most technically demanding sections and is vital for competitive lap times.
The final challenge is the Curva Parabolica Alboreto: cars approach at 335 km/h (208 mph) in eighth gear, apexing in sixth gear at 229 km/h (142 mph) and exiting in sixth gear at 285 km/h (177 mph), accelerating onto the main start/finish straight. A good exit and slipstream can create an overtaking opportunity under heavy braking into Variante del Rettifilo, though following closely through the Parabolica is difficult as the tow reduces downforce and cornering speed.
Max Verstappen recorded the fastest pole position lap at Monza during the 2025 Italian Grand Prix, with a time of 1:18.792 at an average speed of 264.681 km/h (164.465 mph), the fastest average lap speed in qualifying for a World Championship event. The official race lap record for the current circuit layout is 1:20.901, set by Lando Norris during the same Grand Prix at an average speed of 257.781 km/h (160.178 mph), the fastest average lap speed in a race for a World Championship event.
The Monza Circuit has been the site of numerous fatal accidents throughout its history. In the early years of motorsport, particularly during the Formula One World Championship, the risks were significantly higher due to less advanced safety technology and track design. These incidents have led to continuous track modifications aimed at improving safety and reducing speeds.
Deaths from crashes at Monza include:
1922: Fritz Kuhn (Austro-Daimler), during practice for the 1922 Italian Grand Prix.
1923: Enrico Giaccone, passenger in a Fiat 805 during private testing.
1923: Ugo Sivocci (Alfa Romeo P1), during practice for the 1923 Italian Grand Prix.
1924: Count Louis Zborowski (Mercedes), after crashing into a tree at Lesmo during the 1924 Italian Grand Prix.
1928: Emilio Materassi and 27 spectators, after Materassi crashed his Talbot into the grandstand during the 1928 Italian Grand Prix.
1931: Luigi Arcangeli (Alfa Romeo), after crashing at Lesmo during practice for the 1931 Italian Grand Prix.
1933: Giuseppe Campari (Alfa Romeo Tipo B 2.6 litre), Mario Umberto Borzacchini (Maserati 8C-3000), and Stanislas Czaykowski (Bugatti), after crashing at the south banking during the 1933 Monza Grand Prix.
1954: Rupert Hollaus, during practice for the Italian motorcycle Grand Prix.
1955: Alberto Ascari, during private testing at the Vialone (now the Ascari chicane), driving a Ferrari 750 Monza, four days after his Monaco Grand Prix harbor crash.
1961: Wolfgang von Trips and 14 spectators, after von Trips collided with Jim Clark approaching the Parabolica on the second lap of the 1961 Italian Grand Prix.
1965: Bruno Deserti, during Ferrari official test prior to Le Mans in a Ferrari P2/3 4000 cc.
1965: Tommy Spychiger, during 1000K Sports car race in Ferrari 365P2 at the Parabolica.
1970: Jochen Rindt, after crashing at the Parabolica during practice for the 1970 Italian Grand Prix.
1973: Renzo Pasolini and Jarno Saarinen, in a mass crash at the Curva Grande during the 250 cc class of the Nations Grand Prix.
1973: Carlo Chionio, Renzo Colombini, and Renato Galtrucco, during a race for the 500 cc Juniores Italian motorcycle championship.
1974: Silvio Moser, died in hospital one month after suffering injuries at the 1000 km Monza race.
1978: Ronnie Peterson, died in hospital after crashing during the start of the 1978 Italian Grand Prix.
1998: Michael Paquay, Belgian motorbike racer, died after a crash in practice for the Italian round of World Supersport Championships.
2000: Paolo Gislimberti, a marshal hit by debris from a first-lap accident at the Roggia chicane during the Italian Grand Prix.
Beyond Formula One, Monza has hosted numerous other categories. It previously hosted the 1,000 km Monza endurance sports car race as part of the World Sportscar Championship and the Le Mans Series. It also featured the unique Race of Two Worlds events. The racetrack previously held rounds of Grand Prix motorcycle racing (Italian motorcycle Grand Prix), WTCC, TCR International Series, Superbike World Championship, Formula Renault 3.5 Series, and Auto GP. Monza currently hosts rounds of the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup, International GT Open, and Euroformula Open Championship, as well as local championships like the TCR Italian Series, Italian GT Championship, Porsche Carrera Cup Italia, and Italian F4 Championship, and the Monza Rally Show. In 2020, Monza hosted the 2020 World Rally Championship final round, ACI Rally Monza, with the circuit hosting 10 of the 16 rally stages. Monza also hosts cycling and running events, including the Monza 12h Cycling Marathon and Monza 21 Half Marathon. Nike scientists selected the venue for the Breaking2 event, where Eliud Kipchoge ran 2:00:25 in an attempt to break the 2-hour marathon barrier.
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