Race preview: Italian Grand Prix

Here’s all the key information about Albono’s upcoming trip to Monza

Published

03 SEP 2025

Est. reading time

3 min

Alex should be in high spirits following his Round 15 showing in Zandvoort — and will harbour hopes of a repeat performance this weekend.

Our Thai racer finished P5 in North Holland, following an impressive 10-place climb from a P15 starting position.

It was the perfect way to kick off the season’s final furlong after the summer break, as he took his tally to 64 points to draw level with seventh-place Kimi Antonelli in the Drivers’ Standings.

The upcoming Italian GP offers a good opportunity to build on that total, at one of Formula 1’s most iconic venues.

Previous visits to Monza

Albono has enjoyed plenty of success at previous editions of the Italian GP, having finished within the points on three separate occasions.

The first of those came back in 2019 with Red Bull Racing, when he placed P6 in his second-ever Grand Prix with the team.

Then, in 2023, Alex came seventh at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza with Williams, after he held off the chasing Lando Norris for 35 laps on a set of hard tyres.

“That was probably my toughest but my most proud race I’ve done,” said a delighted AA23, following that stint in Lombardy.

“I’m very happy. I’m sure Lando didn’t enjoy that one too much, but I did!”

And it was a similarly enjoyable day the following year, when Alex placed P9 — managing an issue with his front left tyre throughout to put two more points on the board.

Track guide

Known as the ‘temple of speed’, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza is Formula 1’s fastest circuit.

It’s also one of the most historic, having featured in the first-ever 1950 World Championship and even held races as far back as 1922.

This venue remains as relevant as ever, though, thanks to its thrilling mix of long straights and fast corners across 5.793 km (3.600 miles).

A lap features 11 turns and begins with a heavy braking zone, before moving into the sweeping Curva Grande.

Then it’s time for a Sector 2 that demands maximum precision through the Roggia chicane and Lesmo corners, before a high-speed charge into Sector 3 and the tricky corners of Variante Ascari.

Finally, a good exit from the legendary Parabolica is required, to conjure overtaking opportunities on the main straight.

Keep up to date

The best place to follow Alex’s progress at the Italian GP is our live blog — available on the AA23 website and app.

From the beginning of Free Practice 1 to the chequered flag on Sunday, we’ll be covering all the action so you don’t miss a beat.

FP1 starts at 1.30pm local time (CEST) on Friday, with Free Practice 2 a few hours later at 5pm.

Saturday then sees FP3 get underway at 12.30pm, before Qualifying at 4pm. Finally, the race itself is scheduled for 3pm CEST the following day.

Get hold of your Italian GP Albono!

There’s still a couple of days to go until Alex takes to the track in Monza, but you can already claim his latest Fan Passport stamp!

This week’s Albono — a digital avatar of AA23 — is appropriately themed for our Thai racer’s trip to Italy, wearing a traditional gondolier outfit and with a gelato in hand.

Add it to your collection via the link below, before racing concludes in Lombardy!

The Italy Albono is ready to collect!