The 2026 Formula 1 season heads to Monza this weekend for the Italian Grand Prix, with the opening Free Practice session getting underway today, Friday, September 4.
Following the Sprint format at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort last weekend, Formula 1 returns to its traditional three-day race schedule in Italy. That means fans can expect two practice sessions on Friday, followed by final practice and qualifying on Saturday before Sunday’s Grand Prix.
The Italian Grand Prix is one of the most anticipated events on the F1 calendar, with the historic Monza circuit providing another important opportunity for the championship contenders to gain ground.
Lando Norris arrives in Italy with significant momentum after securing his second consecutive Grand Prix victory at Zandvoort. The McLaren driver’s latest success has strengthened his position in the Drivers’ Championship battle and put additional pressure on his rivals.
2026 Italian GP schedule
Friday, September 4
Free Practice 1: 11:30 AM UK / 12:30 PM CET / 6:30 AM ET
Free Practice 2: 3:00 PM UK / 4:00 PM CET / 10:00 AM ET
Saturday, September 5
Free Practice 3: 11:30 AM UK / 12:30 PM CET / 6:30 AM ET
Qualifying: 3:00 PM UK / 4:00 PM CET / 10:00 AM ET
Sunday, September 6
Italian Grand Prix: 2:00 PM UK / 3:00 PM CET / 9:00 AM ET
With Monza traditionally rewarding low-downforce and high-speed performance, Friday’s opening practice will give teams their first opportunity to assess their cars and gather crucial data ahead of qualifying.
All eyes will also be on Norris, his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, the Mercedes pairing of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, and reigning champion Max Verstappen as they begin preparations for Sunday’s race.
The first major battle of the weekend will come in qualifying, where the drivers will fight for pole position on one of Formula 1’s fastest circuits.
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