Formula 1 heads into Sunday at Monza with Pierre Gasly on pole after a stunning qualifying performance for Alpine at the Italian Grand Prix.
Gasly beat George Russell by just 0.060s to claim his first Formula 1 pole position, using a tow from Lewis Hamilton to ascend to the top of the timesheets in Q3. Oscar Piastri qualified third but will serve a three-place grid penalty for blocking Liam Lawson.
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli qualified seventh at his home race but will start near the back due to an engine penalty, while Lando Norris was left eighth after missing out on a helpful slipstream from McLaren team-mate Piastri.
Sunday’s race could be shaped by straightline speed, slipstreaming, energy management, and heat at one of Formula 1’s fastest circuits. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the Italian GP.
How to watch the F1 Italian GP
Broadcast coverage of Formula 1 varies by region. In the United States, Apple TV is the primary broadcast partner for the 2026 season, with all sessions available on the platform following a multi-year deal. F1 TV remains the series’ global subscription streaming service.
For viewers in the United Kingdom, Sky Sports continues as the championship’s exclusive broadcaster, showing every session live throughout the 2026 season. F1 coverage can also be streamed via Sky Go or NOW, with highlights available free-to-air on Channel 4.
F1 Italian GP Sunday schedule
Times local to Monza:
Sunday, September 6 — 2026 Italian Grand Prix — 3:00 p.m. CEST
For UK viewers:
Sunday, September 6 — 2026 Italian Grand Prix — 2:00 p.m. BST
For US Eastern Time viewers:
Sunday, September 6 — 2026 Italian Grand Prix — 9:00 a.m. ET
F1 Italian GP full weekend schedule
All times local to Monza:
- Friday, September 4 — Free Practice 1 — 12:30 p.m. CEST
- Friday, September 4 — Free Practice 2 — 4:00 p.m. CEST
- Saturday, September 5 — Free Practice 3 — 12:30 p.m. CEST
- Saturday, September 5 — Qualifying — 4:00 p.m. CEST
- Sunday, September 6 — 2026 Italian Grand Prix — 3:00 p.m. CEST
Italian GP Sunday weather forecast
Sunday is expected to remain hot at Monza for the Italian GP, with mostly sunny conditions earlier in the day.
Temperatures should reach around 30°C by midday, making tire performance, brake temperatures, and cooling critical during the race. With Monza’s long straights and heavy braking zones, the heat may introduce another layer to an already demanding grand prix.
A passing shower risk remains worth monitoring, but the primary weather factor is expected to be heat rather than major disruption.
Italian GP track facts
- Circuit: Monza
- Location: Monza, Italy
- Event: Italian GP
- Circuit type: permanent road course
- Friday sessions: Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2
- Saturday sessions: Free Practice 3 and Qualifying
- Race: Sunday, September 6
Monza is Formula 1’s Temple of Speed, with long straights, heavy braking zones, and low-downforce demands that place a premium on efficiency, power, and confidence under braking.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, George Russell, Mercedes, Pierre Gasly, Alpine
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
2026 Formula 1 driver and team roster
*Hadjar is injured for the Italian GP so is replaced by Lawson at Red Bull, with Yuki Tsunoda stepping in at Racing Bulls.