Formula 1 makes its comeback to the Monza Circuit, known as the Temple of Speed, for the Italian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen is aiming for an unprecedented 10th consecutive F1 victory as the racing world converges on Monza for the Italian Grand Prix this weekend.

Verstappen, who continued his winning streak after the summer break by triumphing in his home country, the Netherlands, is now on par with Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine consecutive Grand Prix wins. The Dutch driver, boasting a substantial 138-point lead in the championship over teammate Sergio Perez, is the clear favorite in Italy, having also claimed victory at Monza last year.

Mercedes had a challenging outing in Zandvoort, but the team received a boost with the contract extensions of both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell until the end of the 2025 season.

Ferrari, despite being the home team, enters the race with a recent lack of form, having not secured a victory since Austria last year. However, they hope for a strong showing in front of the passionate Tifosi crowd. Fernando Alonso, coming off a podium finish in Zandvoort, aims to follow it up with another top-three performance at Monza.

Here’s the starting grid:

1. Carlos Sainz

2. Max Verstappen

3. Charles Leclerc

4. George Russell

5. Sergio Perez

6. Alex Albon

7. Oscar Piastri

8. Lewis Hamilton

9. Lando Norris

10. Fernando Alonso

11. Yuki Tsunoda

12. Liam Lawson

13. Nico Hulkenberg

14. Valtteri Bottas

15. Logan Sargeant

16. Zhou Guanyu

17. Pierre Gasly

18. Esteban Ocon

19. Kevin Magnussen

20. Lance Stroll