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Monza, the "Temple of Speed," has been revered for its iconic layout and challenging kerbs that have tested the mettle of drivers for decades. But as the Italian Grand Prix weekend approaches, some of Formula 1 's top drivers are less than thrilled with the latest changes to the circuit.
A comprehensive resurfacing and modification of the kerbing—especially around the famed Ascari chicane—have sparked a wave of mixed reactions, with many drivers feeling that Monza might have lost a bit of its "old school" charm.
The Kerb Conundrum
The reshaping of Monza's kerbs, and in some places, the installation of entirely new ones, has been met with a collective eyebrow raise from the paddock. The alterations are designed to allow drivers to take corners faster, utilizing more of the track than previously possible. But not everyone is convinced this is a good thing.
Daniel Ricciardo, never one to mince words, expressed his concerns candidly. Speaking to the media, Ricciardo lamented the loss of what he considers vital characteristics of the circuit.
“I can’t say I’m that impressed because I think some elements have lost some of the character of the circuit," Ricciardo remarked, as quoted by Motorsport Week . “Obviously, a lot of you have been following F1 even longer than me and maybe it’s just as a driver, because we drive it and experience it, so maybe it makes sense to us, I don’t know if it makes sense to the outside."
Ricciardo highlighted specific changes, such as the flattening of the Ascari chicane, which he believes could diminish the challenge that Monza is famous for.
“It’s [the Ascari chicane] very flat now, so ultimately, because we can use so much more kerb probably, it’s going to be wider and easier to be flat than through nine and ten. I think they still underrate the kerbs and what it does to a circuit, how it changes the feeling, the character, the approach,” he added.
A Call for Driver Input
Ricciardo isn't alone in his concerns. George Russell, who serves as the Director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, echoed Ricciardo's sentiments and pointed out a recurring issue: the lack of driver involvement in track modifications.
“It’s something we’ve spoken about a number of times in the past, drivers are often the last ones to find out when there’s kerb changes," Russell noted. “Personally, I think it’s a bit of a shame because there was so much character with Ascari, as an example. I don’t think it will be as impressive in that corner with the kerb changes."
Russell also questioned the decision-making process behind these changes, implying that those in charge might not fully appreciate the impact on the drivers and the racing experience.
“I honestly don’t know who makes these decisions. I don’t think it’s the FIA, I think it’s the circuits themselves. But we’ve always said these old school circuits with incredible character, we need to preserve that at all costs.”
A Wait-and-See Approach
Not all drivers are rushing to judgment. Lewis Hamilton, known for his measured approach, has chosen to reserve his opinion until he gets behind the wheel.
“I don’t want to judge it before I’ve driven it," Hamilton stated. “Maybe we’ll get in and it’ll be the greatest thing and greatest changes ever. So I don’t want to shoot myself in the foot with that.”
Hamilton acknowledged that while the changes might alter the track's character, it’s ultimately still Monza, and only time will tell how the modifications will impact the racing.
“Ultimately, it’s still the same track. But yeah, we won’t know until tomorrow. It’s going to be a lot smoother, it looks, and probably quite a bit quicker.”
A Necessary Evolution?
Charles Leclerc, Hamilton's future teammate, offered a more pragmatic perspective. Leclerc understands the need for resurfacing but hopes the kerb modifications haven’t strayed too far from tradition.
“So it’s not like there’s the choice of just keeping the same tarmac for years and years and years,” Leclerc pointed out. “Because at one point, you just get too bumpy. And especially with our Formula 1 cars and the way they are run so low, the tracks have to renew that. So on that, I’m fine."
Leclerc also mentioned that other tracks, like Canada, have managed to renew their surfaces while preserving the unique kerb shapes that drivers love. Whether Monza's new kerbs will live up to expectations remains to be seen.
“But I haven’t tried yet the new kerbs. So maybe they feel even better compared to the old ones.”
As the Italian Grand Prix weekend kicks off, the spotlight will be on Monza—not just for its legendary speed but also for how the latest circuit changes will play out. Whether these modifications will enhance or detract from the racing experience is something that only the drivers, and ultimately the fans, will decide.
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