After a month away from Formula One, the Belgian Grand Prix brought us all back to the drama of racing that we all know and love well.
Whether it be the clash between the two Mercedes drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, or Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo sneaking in yet another victory at Spa-Francorchamps to go back-to-back, and keep his name in distant title contention.
The return from the Summer break is one of my favourite periods in Formula One, not just because of the classic Belgian GPs that get thrown our way, or the start of the flyaway races in Singapore, or even the advent of the silly season that always approaches this time of year.
No, for me it’s the magic of Monza that gets me most excited.
The Italian Grand Prix always throws up what many consider the key ingredients of Formula One, and motor-racing in general. Speed, drama and passion, not just by Ferrari fans, but everyone, and this weekend I am not expecting any different.
One of my lasting memories is the 1999 Italian GP, when Mika Hakkinen made an error at the Parabolica, putting his McLaren into the wall on the pit-straight while leading the race, and then consoling himself in his tears by the trees nearby.
But recently, Bernie Ecclestone has come out saying that Formula One can do without the Italian Grand Prix, something he threatens about many races, including our Australian Grand Prix in the past.
“I don’t think we’ll do another contract, the old one was a disaster for us from a commercial point of view,” Ecclestone said in July.
“After 2016, bye bye.”
When Bernie does wield the axe though, no-one can always be safe, as seen by the demise of the French Grand Prix in 2008.
In an ever expanding championship, many plead not to remove the historical races that remain, such as the Monaco, British and Belgian GPs, and the same goes with the Italian Grand Prix. Not only is it one of the most historically important races that remain on the calendar, it still brings about some exciting races.
In recent years, it’s become one of the most important races in gaining momentum in a championship push, generally being the final race before the final fly-aways.
Fernando Alonso drove to a podium spot from 10th on the grid in 2012 to capitalise on a rare Red Bull failure for Sebastian Vettel. Alonso celebrated with the Tifosi with victory in 2010, despite conceding both championships to Vettel at the final race of the season.
Vettel’s rise to superstardom became mainstream with a victory in 2008 for Italy’s other team, Toro Rosso, formerly known as Minardi. His superb drive in the wet catapulted him into the Red Bull team of 2009, and the rest is history.
The Monza circuit has undergone many changes over the years, but it is effectively the same as it was in 1922, albeit with a few chicanes added in. The drivers charge into the first corner, alongside the entry to the old banked course used in the ‘50s and ‘60s, a constant reminder of F1’s dangerous past.
And how electric are the podium celebrations, especially if one of Ferrari’s faithful is on the top step? Who can forget Alonso hijacking a television camera on the podium when he finished second behind Vettel last year?
Monza shows us the why Formula One can be so addictive. It showcases the speed that brings us all in at a young age. It shows us the passion and heart that gets us all excited for a Grand Prix.
It celebrates the sport’s history, while allowing us to cherish the modern era. That’s the magic of Monza.
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