Monza. It’s one of the most evocative names in motor racing history.
First built in 1922, the course has undergone many redesigns in its lifetime, before settling on the circuit it uses today.
Most closely associated with Ferrari, who have won the Italian Grand Prix a record 19 times, Monza has seen its fair share of tragedy, including Ayrton Senna’s death in 1994.
Before you enjoy this year’s Italian Grand Prix with the F1 Paddock Club in Italy (https://edgeglobalevents.com/f1-paddock-club/italy/), first relive six memorable moments from this iconic track.
Great sportsmanship
In 1956, Peter Collins and Juan Manuel Fangio were battling for the championship until the final race at Monza. Fangio broke down, but instead of taking advantage, Collins headed into the pits and gave the Argentinian his car.
In the greatest single act of sportsmanship in Grand Prix racing history, Collins said Fangio deserved to take the title. The Briton would never win the championship.
The greatest comeback
When Jim Clark had to drop out when leading the 1967 race, it seemed like game over.
Instead, the Briton pulled back the lap he’d lost, before overtaking drivers to get back into the lead. Running out of fuel on the final lap, he finally rolled over the line in 3rd place.
The closest finish
In 1971, 5 drivers crossed the finish line within just six tenths of a second of each other.
Peter Gethin would finally be awarded the win, with a margin of one hundredth of a second, the closest margin of victory until 2003.
Miracle at Monza
His face wrapped in bandages, Niki Lauda made his return to racing at Monza in 1976, after a terrifying crash had turned his car into a fireball just 6 weeks earlier.
Lauda finished fourth, and first for sheer bravery and courage.
McLaren denied
McLaren headed into Monza in 1988, having enjoyed a perfect season.
No-one held out much hope for Ferrari’s chances but, just a few weeks after the death of founding father, Enzo Ferrari, they took a sensational and emotional 1-2 victory.
McLaren denied again
10 years later, it looked as if McLaren was set for a dominant victory when David Coulthard’s engine blew.
Instead, Michael Schumacher won the second of his record-breaking five Italian Grand Prix wins – driving for Ferrari, of course.
