Autodromo Nazionale Monza
Where Daniel Ricciardo claimed his final victory and McLaren secured their first 1-2 since 2010.
The Autodromo Nazionale Monza is the venue for the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, officially titled the Formula 1 Heineken Gran Premio d'Italia 2021. Held on 12 September 2021 as the 14th round of the season, it marked the second Grand Prix in Italy that year, following the Emilia Romagna event in April. This 53-lap race saw McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo secure victory, capitalizing on a strong front-row start and a dramatic collision between title rivals Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Ricciardo was joined by teammate Lando Norris for a historic 1-2 finish, while Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas completed the podium in third.
- Location
- Autodromo Nazionale Monza
- Date
- 12 September 2021
- Race Distance
- 53 laps
- Winner
- Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren)
- Second Place
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Third Place
- Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)
- Previous Winner at Monza
- Pierre Gasly (2020)
- Sprint Qualifying Distance
- 18 laps (100 km)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The 2021 race at Monza remains etched in history as a pivotal turning point for both Daniel Ricciardo and the McLaren team. It was Ricciardo's first win since the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix and, notably, his final victory as a driver. For McLaren, this event ended a nine-year wait for a Grand Prix triumph, their last having been Jenson Button's win at the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix until Lando Norris's success in Miami 2024. The race also marked McLaren's first 1-2 finish since the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix and their first double podium since the 2014 Australian Grand Prix. Beyond the team records, it was a singular moment for national pride: Ricciardo became the last Australian driver to win until Oscar Piastri at the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix. The weekend itself introduced a new dynamic with the sprint qualifying format, where Valtteri Bottas won the 18-lap sprint but started from the back of the grid due to an engine penalty, handing pole position to Max Verstappen.
In Their Own Story
The drama unfolded during the sprint qualifying on Saturday when Lewis Hamilton lost four places at the second corner. Tensions rose when Pierre Gasly crashed out at Curva Grande after contact with Daniel Ricciardo; stewards ruled it a racing incident. The safety car was deployed, and Yuki Tsunoda also made contact with Robert Kubica on lap 1, sending the Polish driver spinning into gravel. In the main race on Sunday, Hamilton attempted an overtake on Verstappen into turn 4 but was pushed wide. Later, during a pit stop sequence, Hamilton and Verstappen found themselves side-by-side exiting the pits. The two collided at turn 2; Verstappen bounced over a sausage kerb, making contact with Hamilton's left rear tire. This launched Verstappen's car airborne and over Hamilton's vehicle. Both drivers retired uninjured, marking Hamilton's first retirement in 63 races since the 2018 Austrian Grand Prix. The collision brought out the safety car, allowing Charles Leclerc to pit for second place. On the restart, Norris overtook Leclerc for second, while Sergio Pérez eventually took third but dropped to fifth post-race due to a penalty.
Reader's Guide
Visitors to the 2021 event experienced a unique weekend format trial, with Free Practice 1 and Qualifying held on Friday, followed by Free Practice 2 and sprint qualifying on Saturday. Pirelli supplied C2, C3, and C4 compounds for the track. The sprint qualifying race covered 18 laps (100 km), deciding the Sunday grid order. While Bottas won the sprint, engine penalties reshuffled the grid, promoting Ricciardo to second and Norris to third on the starting line. The atmosphere was charged with controversy; Sergio Pérez called the Monza sprint "very boring," while Ross Brawn defended it citing "plenty of action." Fernando Alonso suggested reverting to single-lap qualifying for the sprint format. As of 2025, this event holds the distinction of being Robert Kubica's final Grand Prix appearance. The race weekend also saw Charles Leclerc feeling unwell during Free Practice 2 but was cleared by medical staff to compete in the sprint.
Did You Know?
- Daniel Ricciardo's victory was his last win as a Formula One driver.
- Lewis Hamilton suffered his first retirement in 63 races at this event, the previous being the 2018 Austrian Grand Prix.
- Valtteri Bottas won the sprint qualifying race but was demoted to 19th on the grid for the main race due to an engine penalty.
- Pierre Gasly received a five-place grid penalty and had to start from the pit lane due to multiple unscheduled component changes.
- This race marked McLaren's first 1-2 finish since the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix.
Tragic History for Competitors
The provided source focuses exclusively on the events of the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, including specific incidents like collisions and retirements during that weekend.
Losses Beyond the Starting Grid
The narrative is strictly limited to the 2021 race weekend events, detailing only non-fatal incidents such as Robert Kubica and Yuki Tsunoda making contact during sprint qualifying.
Spectator Safety and Tragedy
The content provided is restricted to the on-track action of the 2021 Formula 1 race, including driver retirements and penalties.
A Legacy of Fatal Incidents
The available information is strictly confined to the specific details of the 2021 Italian Grand Prix weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autodromo Nazionale Monza?
Located in Lombardy, Italy, this historic circuit is known as 'Il Tempio della Velocità' (The Temple of Speed) and serves as the spiritual home of Scuderia Ferrari. It has hosted the Italian Grand Prix continuously since 1922, featuring a high-speed layout defined by long straights and chicanes.
Why is Monza considered the most important track for Ferrari?
As the team's designated 'Home Race,' this venue represents the spiritual heart of Italian motorsport where the Prancing Horse has achieved its most iconic victories. The atmosphere here creates a unique bond between the red army and their drivers, making every result deeply emotional.
What are the defining characteristics of the Monza track layout?
The circuit is famous for being one of the fastest on the calendar, characterized by exceptionally long straights that demand high top speeds. While it includes chicanes to slow cars down, its historic banking sections were once used in early eras to maintain momentum through corners.
When did Autodromo Nazionale Monza first host a Grand Prix?
The track officially began hosting the Italian Grand Prix in 1922, establishing itself as a permanent fixture on the racing calendar over a century ago. This long history has cemented its status as the primary stage for some of Ferrari's greatest triumphs and heartbreaking defeats.
What is the nickname 'Il Tempio della Velocità'?
This Italian phrase translates to 'The Temple of Speed,' a title earned because Monza prioritizes raw velocity above all other circuit attributes. It reflects the track's reputation as the ultimate proving ground for engine power and aerodynamic efficiency in Formula 1.
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