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Posted: 2023-09-03 06:18:37

Max Verstappen can make Formula 1 history if he wins Sunday's Italian Grand Prix. 

The Dutch world champion has won the last nine F1 races, and a 10th consecutive victory would set the all-time record. 

Red Bull has won every race this season, and Verstappen took victory at Monza in 2022.

Here is what you need to know about the Italian Grand Prix.

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Where is the race?

Monza is in the north of Italy, on the outskirts of greater Milan, less than 20 kilometres from the CBD of the famous city.

A short trip from the centre of Milan to the north-east leads you to the town which first hosted F1 in 1950

The track — Autodromo Nazionale Monza — is situated inside a large public park named the Parco di Monza Porta Vedano al Lambro.

Monza is one of the most famous locations in motorsport, and was one of the first purpose-built tracks in the world for racing.

What do I need to know about the track?

Monza is the fastest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar with roughly 80 per cent of the lap taken at full throttle.

The 1.1km start-finish straight is where the cars reach their maximum speed before braking hard for the first chicane, which is one of the best overtaking spots for drivers.

Illustration of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza

Illustration of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, home of the Italian Grand Prix.(F1)

The chicane of turns eight, nine and 10 provides another good opportunity for drivers to pass, before a straight to the final corner.

The final corner — named the Curva Alboreto (formerly Parabolica) — is a long hairpin that is vital for any driver approaching the massive straight.

The double right-handers of turns seven and eight — named Lesmo — are tight and ready to catch out a driver should they veer wide into the gravel.

How can I watch the race in Australia?

The only place to watch all the action is via the Fox Sports stable of broadcasting channels.

It will be available on both Foxtel and Kayo Sports, with the race starting at 11pm AEST.

What happened last year?

Verstappen added another victory to his 2022 season, taking his first win at Monza.

The Dutchman started the race seventh, but was up to third early on the second lap.

Verstappen was comfortably in the lead when McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo — who was having one of his best races that season — retired with an engine failure.

This brought out a late safety car, allowing Ferrari's Charles Leclerc to possibly have one last crack at Verstappen.

But to the disappointment of the Ferrari-mad fanbase, the race finished behind the safety car.

Fast facts

  • First grand prix — 1950
  • Number of laps — 53
  • Lap distance — 5,793m
  • Race distance — 306.720km
  • Fastest lap — 1:21.046 Rubens Barrichello (2004)
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