The Italian Grand Prix is expected to take place under unusual heat, with temperatures up to 33°C and track temperatures that could become a major factor.
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Formula 1 is preparing for a particularly demanding weekend at Monza. After the changing conditions encountered at Zandvoort, there seems to be no risk of rain this time threatening the Italian Grand Prix. It is rather the heat that could give the teams a hard time.
The forecasts indeed predict dry and largely sunny weather over the three days, with temperatures reaching up to 33°C. These are particularly hot conditions for early September in northern Italy and will have direct consequences on the cars.
Over 30°C from Friday
The mercury will rise quickly from the first day of activity. When FP1 starts on Friday at 12:30, the ambient temperature should already be close to 30°C under generous sunshine.
The situation will become even more demanding during FP2, scheduled for 16:00. About 32°C is expected at that time of day, with only a light to moderate west wind to bring some freshness.
These first sessions will be particularly important to allow teams to understand tire behavior and the cooling needs of their cars in these conditions.
Up to 33°C for qualifying
The heat should not decrease on Saturday. The drivers will run FP3 with about 32°C in the air before returning to the track at 16:00 for qualifying.
The thermometer could then reach 33°C, the highest temperature of the weekend. An unusual value for this time of year, even for an Italian Grand Prix traditionally held at the end of summer.
At Monza, where engines run at full throttle for a large part of the lap, this heat could represent an additional challenge for the power units.
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Engines under surveillance
However, the ambient temperature will only be part of the equation. With intense sun for several hours, the asphalt should reach values significantly higher than those measured in the air.
This track heat will have a direct influence on tire behavior. Their warm-up should be facilitated, but teams will also have to monitor their degradation and avoid any overheating that could compromise long stints.
The power units will also be put to a tough test. Monza is already one of the most demanding circuits of the season for engines due to its long full-throttle periods. With high temperatures, keeping the different components within their optimal operating window will become even more delicate.
Teams may thus be forced to adjust their cooling openings, with the aerodynamic compromise that this implies on a circuit where drag reduction is particularly important.
No risk of rain for the race
Conditions should remain practically identical on Sunday. The Grand Prix will start at 15:00 with about 32°C in the air and still a largely clear sky.
A light east to southeast wind is expected, but it should not be enough to significantly lower temperatures. Above all, no rain is currently forecast during the weekend.
Unlike Zandvoort, teams will therefore be able to prepare their strategies based on the assumption of a completely dry race. Thermal management of tires and power units should, however, occupy a central place.
The forecasts for the Italian Grand Prix:
- Friday: dry and sunny, 30°C during FP1 and up to 32°C during FP2.
- Saturday: dry and very hot, about 32°C in FP3 and up to 33°C for qualifying.
- Sunday: dry and sunny, about 32°C at the race start.
Between Monza’s long straights, the heavy demands on the power unit, and asphalt overheated by the sun, temperature management could thus become one of the determining factors of the Italian weekend.
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