F1 is back with the fastest circuit of the year as we head to the legendary Monza for the Italian Grand Prix.
Known as the Temple of Speed, Monza is unlike almost anything else on the calendar. Long straights, heavy braking zones, and cars trimmed for as little drag as possible make outright speed the name of the game. There is very little room to hide here. If your car is slow in a straight line, everyone is going to know about it.
And, of course, this is Ferrari country.
The Tifosi will pack the grandstands hoping to see red on the top step, and I think they might just get their wish.
1st: Charles Leclerc
Yes, I am picking Charles Leclerc to win the Italian Grand Prix.
Ferrari is bringing an upgraded power unit to its home race, along with aerodynamic changes designed specifically for the high-speed demands of Monza. Reports suggest the new engine could provide around 15 additional horsepower, and if there is one circuit where Ferrari wants every bit of extra power it can find, it is this one.
Leclerc also knows exactly what it takes to win here. He has already given the Tifosi two unforgettable victories at Monza, and with Ferrari bringing upgrades specifically for its home Grand Prix, I think he has a legitimate chance to make it three.
McLaren has looked incredibly strong recently, while Mercedes has been the benchmark for much of the season, so I am not expecting Ferrari to suddenly dominate the weekend. But Monza is a completely different challenge from the circuits we have just visited.
Give Leclerc a competitive Ferrari, a little more power behind him, and an entire sea of red in the grandstands, and I am taking the chance.
Charles Leclerc wins at Monza.
2nd: George Russell
George Russell is my pick to finish second.
Mercedes has shown throughout the season that it can compete at the front, and Monza should give Russell another opportunity to fight for a major result. With Kimi Antonelli set to start from the back after taking a power-unit penalty, Russell becomes Mercedes’ clear best opportunity to score big points at Monza.
I expect him to be right there with Leclerc throughout the race. Russell has been one of the most consistent drivers on the grid, and on a circuit where mistakes under braking can completely ruin a race, that consistency could be extremely valuable.
I have him coming just short of the victory, but still leaving Italy with a strong second-place finish.
3rd: Lando Norris
Rounding out my podium is Lando Norris.
It almost feels strange putting Norris only third considering the form he is currently in. He enters Monza after back-to-back victories and has every reason to believe he can make it three straight.
McLaren will undoubtedly be a threat again, but I think Ferrari’s Monza-specific package and Mercedes’ strength will make this weekend a tougher fight.
Norris should still have enough pace to stay near the front, and I expect him to remain in the battle throughout the race. This time, though, I think the winning streak ends.
My final podium prediction for Monza:
1st: Charles Leclerc
2nd: George Russell
3rd: Lando Norris
Ferrari winning at Monza is always special. Ferrari winning at Monza with Leclerc behind the wheel and the Tifosi celebrating around him would be one of the moments of the season.
I am taking the gamble.
Charles Leclerc wins the 2026 Italian Grand Prix.
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