The 2026 Italian Grand Prix takes place this Sunday, September 6, at the Monza circuit. Find out what time the Formula 1 race will start.
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It’s race time at Monza! After a Saturday marked by a qualifying session full of surprises, the Formula 1 drivers will meet this Sunday, September 6, for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix.
The start will be given at 3:00 PM, France and Belgium time, which is the local time in Monza.
The drivers will have to complete 53 laps of the famous Temple of Speed before knowing the winner of this new edition of the Italian Grand Prix.
What time does the 2026 Italian Grand Prix start?
The start of the Italian Grand Prix will be given this Sunday at 3:00 PM.
Here are the main times to remember:
- France: 3:00 PM
- Belgium: 3:00 PM
- Italy: 3:00 PM
As always, it is recommended to connect a few minutes before the start to follow the grid formation, the formation lap, and the latest information from the circuit.
53 laps scheduled at Monza
The Italian Grand Prix is traditionally one of the fastest races of the entire Formula 1 season. The long straights of Monza allow the cars to reach some of the highest speeds on the calendar.
This Sunday’s race is scheduled for 53 laps.
With its long full-throttle sections and powerful braking zones, Monza also offers several overtaking opportunities. Slipstreaming could once again play a decisive role, especially for drivers forced to start from the back of the grid.
Monza holds an impressive record
The previous edition of the Italian Grand Prix was particularly fast. The 2025 race even became the fastest in the entire history of Formula 1 in terms of total time.
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The event was completed in only 1h13’24″325, setting a new benchmark.
The unique characteristics of the Italian track largely explain these figures. Monza requires very little aerodynamic downforce compared to most other circuits and primarily favors top speed.
Gasly will start from pole position
This 2026 edition will start with a rather unexpected front row. Pierre Gasly created a sensation on Saturday by securing the first pole position of his Formula 1 career.
The Frenchman will share the front row with George Russell. Behind them, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will occupy the third and fourth positions after the penalty given to Oscar Piastri.
Max Verstappen will start fifth ahead of Piastri, while Lando Norris will only start from eighth position.
Further back, several drivers will have to make a comeback from the rear after receiving engine penalties, including the championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
So, see you this Sunday, September 6 at 3:00 PM for the start of the 2026 Italian Grand Prix of Formula 1, with 53 laps scheduled on the legendary Monza circuit.