A Look Ahead to the Italian Grand Prix

The Italian Grand Prix is one of the highlights of the speed racing calendar.  Held annually in September, this event allows racing fans to watch the Formula 1 world racing greats compete for the top spot on the leader board.  Located in Monza, close to Milan, the Italian Grand Prix is one of the longest running events on the racing calendar.  Let’s take a look ahead to see what is in store for the Italian Grand Prix in 2018.

The Event

The 2018 Italian Grand Prix will take place on September 2nd.  The 14th event on the Formula 1 calendar, this race draws fans from all over the world, especially Europe.  Italians call Monza “La Pista Magica”, the magic track, because for them no other track represents the sport better than this one.  Built in 1922, becoming the third permanent race track ever built in the world, Monza combines speed with skill.  The Italian Grand Prix has seen some of the most historic races of all time, as well as some of the worst accidents in the sport’s history. The best drivers in the world have left part of their “magic” in this place, where their memories are still cherished.

The 2018 event offers all of the excitement and anticipation of past races. This year’s schedule is as follows:

• Practice 1: Friday, August 31, 11:00 – 12:30
• Practice 2: Friday, August 31, 15:00 – 16:30
• Practice 3: Saturday, September 1, 12:00 – 13:00
• Qualifying: Saturday, September 1, 15:00 – 16:00
• Race: Sunday, September 2nd 15:10 – 17:10

Driver Standings

As of July 9th, 2018, the top driver is Sebastian Vettel. The German racer competes for Ferrari and has 171 points currently.  Lewis Hamilton trails Vettel and is in second place with 163 points.  The British racer drives for Team Mercedes.  A distant third place competitor is Kimi Raikkonen with 116 points.  The Finnish driver is driving for Team Ferrari.

Hamilton is eager to take over the top spot, so the competition between Vettel and Hamilton will be one to watch.  By the time the Italian Grand Prix rolls around on September 2nd we will be 13 races into the Formula 1 calendar, with 7 races left after the event.  A lot can happen between now and September, and the drivers know this.  Here is where all 20 of the drivers currently stand:

1. Sebastian Vettel, Mercedes
2. Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
3. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull
5. Valterri Bottas, Mercedes
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull
7. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault
8. Fernando Alonso, McLaren
9. Kevin Magnusson, Haas
10. Carlos Sainz, Renault
11. Esteban Ocon, Force India
12. Sergio Perez, Force India
13. Pierre Gasly, Toro Rosso
14. Charles Leclerc, Sauber
15. Romain Grosjean, Haas
16. Stoffel Vandoorne, McLaren
17. Lance Stroll, Williams
18. Marcus Ericsson, Sauber
19. Brendon Hartley, Toro Rosso
20. Sergey Sirotkin, Williams

Team Standings

1. Ferrari, 287 points
2. Mercedes, 267 points
3. Red Bull, 199 points
4. Renault, 70 points
5. Haas, 51 points
6. Force India, 49 points
7. McLaren, 48 points
8. Toro Rosso, 19 points
9. Sauber, 16 points
10. Williams, 4 points

For more information about the Italian Grand Prix, as well as to purchase tickets for the event, visit the official Formula 1 website event page here. The page includes a destination guide and tips for making your trip to Monza as pleasurable as possible.  If you cannot travel to Italy, the site also has information on how to watch the event live.  They will be posting updates and the standings on the site as well.

For more information about the cars you’ll be seeing in the Italian Grand Prix, read our list of the most notable 2018 F1 car launches.