Italian Grand Prix: Grandstand guide for the F1 race at Monza

The Italian Grand Prix is held every year at Monza, the ‘Temple of Speed’, just outside Milan. Speed really is the name of the game here, and there are plenty of spots to choose from to see the cars at their fastest.

This circuit sees the drivers at full throttle for the majority of the lap, with three chicanes, the two Lesmo bends and the wide Curva Grande and Parabolica making the Italian Grand Prix an action-packed Formula 1 race.

In this grandstand guide, you’ll find out what you can see from the different stands at the track. We’ve also highlighted where you can access with a general admission ticket for the Italian Grand Prix.

Official Monza F1 tickets

Guide to Grandstands at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix

Monza may be renowned as one of the oldest, fastest and most iconic race on the Formula 1 calendar, but the grandstands do not enjoy such a favourable reputation.

The stands are mainly concrete or plastic bleacher style seats and many fans prefer to bring a cushion. Top tip – inflatable cushions are much more portable! If not, you may find yourself on your feet for a lot of the weekend.

Something to bear in mind is that the exact placement of the giant TV screens is subject to change year on year.

We’ve put together a guide, including a map of the Monza grandstands, the best places to sit and a rundown of the grandstand locations and features.

Monza grandstands map

The shape of this iconic track is one of the most recognisable in Formula 1. Located just 25 minutes from the centre of Milan, the Temple of Speed never disappoints. But where will you sit for the next edition?

The best place to sit at Monza

The best place to sit at Monza is a subject of constant debate among Formula 1 fans. Some want to be as close to the cars as possible, others crave pure speed, while many are drawn to the atmosphere of the start/finish straight and the post-race podium celebrations.

If you’re looking for the true Tifosi experience, Ferrari fans traditionally pack the grandstands along the pit straight – particularly Grandstand 1 (Centrale) and Grandstand 26 (Laterale Destra) — as well as nearby General Admission areas. When Ferrari is competitive, these sections become a sea of red and deliver some of the most electric scenes on the F1 calendar.

If budget isn’t a concern, Laterale Destra A (Grandstand 26A) is among the most sought-after seats at Monza. Located directly opposite the pit lane and podium on the start/finish straight, it offers panoramic views of the grid, pit stops, race finish and post-race celebrations.

Start / Finish Straight Grandstands

Grandstands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 26A, 26B, 26C, 24 (Centrale, Laterale Destra, Piscina & Vedano)

Seat type: Grandstand seating
Big screen: Yes
Covered: Partially (Grandstand 1 upper rows and Vedano 24 only)
Numbered seating: Yes

There’s nothing quite like the buzz of the pit straight at Monza. These grandstands place you at the heart of the action, with views of the cars lining up on the grid, launching off the line, diving into the pits and charging past at breathtaking speed.

Monza is the fastest circuit on the calendar, and nowhere is that more apparent than here. After blasting down the long straights and powering through Parabolica, the cars hit maximum speed as they cross the finish line before slamming on the brakes for the first chicane. The sound, speed and atmosphere are unmatched.

Grandstand 1 (Centrale) sits directly on the start line and is steeped in history, dating back to Monza’s earliest races. The upper rows are covered, while lower rows are open to the elements.
Grandstands 2-4 sit just behind the start line and deliver an incredible sense of speed as the cars roar beneath you.
Grandstand 5 (Piscina) offers a thrilling compromise between the pit straight and Turn 1, with exceptional sound as the cars rush past.
Grandstand 26 (Laterale Destra A, B & C) is one of Monza’s most popular options, combining pit lane views, starting grid sightlines and a clear look at the podium.
Grandstand 24 (Vedano) sits near the end of the straight and is famous for its passionate atmosphere as fans cheer the winner across the line.

After the race, these areas are among the first to access the track invasion, creating unforgettable scenes as fans flood the straight to celebrate.

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The view from the podium, with grandstands 1, 26a, 26b, 26c, 4 and 5 on the left of this picture

Prima Variante – Turn 1

Grandstands 6 & 8 (Alta Velocità & Prima Variante)

Seat type: Grandstand seating
Big screen: Yes
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes

The first chicane, known as the Prima Variante, is one of Monza’s biggest action zones. After charging down the main straight, the field bunches up dramatically as drivers fight for position under heavy braking.

Grandstand 6 sits on the inside of the chicane, placing you right at the apex where bold overtakes and dramatic incidents often unfold.
Grandstand 8, located on the outside, offers outstanding views of the braking zone and the cars approaching at full speed, making it a favourite for photography and first-lap drama.

If you want guaranteed action and wheel-to-wheel racing, this is one of the best places to sit.

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Grandstands 6 (L) and 8 (R) at the Italian Grand Prix

Seconda Variante – Roggia

Grandstands 9, 10, 33A & 33B

Seat type: Grandstand seating
Big screen: Yes
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes

At the end of the Curva Grande, cars reach speeds of over 330 km/h before braking hard for the Variante della Roggia. This is a prime overtaking spot and frequently delivers side-by-side battles.

Grandstands 9 and 10 provide classic views of cars threading through the tight chicane, with Grandstand 10 offering a more budget-friendly alternative.
The newer Grandstands 33A and 33B add a fresh viewing option here, with 33B closer to the chicane itself and 33A offering a wider view of the approach and braking zone.

This part of the circuit is surrounded by forest, giving it a unique atmosphere that reminds you you’re racing inside a historic park.

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Grandstands 9 and 10 catch all the action at the Della Roggia chicane

Ascari Chicane

Grandstands 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17A, 17B, 18, 19 & 20

Seat type: Grandstand seating
Big screen: Yes
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes

The Variante Ascari is one of Monza’s most technically demanding sections. Faster and wider than the earlier chicanes, it rewards precision and bravery as drivers attack the kerbs before accelerating onto the back straight.

Grandstands 12–-6 line the traditional Ascari complex, offering varied perspectives of cars entering, navigating and exiting the chicane.
Grandstands 17A and 17B, newer additions positioned outside the circuit, deliver spectacular views of the chicane exit and the acceleration zone beyond.
Grandstands 18-20 provide a more intimate atmosphere and are excellent value options for watching strategic battles unfold after Ascari.

This area has produced countless dramatic moments and remains a favourite for fans who appreciate technical driving.

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Fans watch the action at the Ascari chicane

Parabolica

Grandstands 21 & 22 (Laterale Parabolica)

Seat type: Grandstand seating
Big screen: Yes
Covered: Parabolica 22 only
Numbered seating: Yes

As the cars approach the legendary Curva Parabolica, slipstream battles often come to a head. These grandstands are perfectly positioned to see drivers attempt late moves around the outside or defend into one of Formula 1’s most famous corners.

Grandstand 21 offers excellent value with clear views of the corner and the straight leading into it.
Grandstand 22, slightly further from the track, provides a wider perspective and partial cover.

This area is also known for its lively atmosphere, often boosted by travelling fan groups.

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Charles Leclerc on his way to victory at the 2019 Italian Grand Prix. Stands 21 and 22 are on the right on the image, 10 – 13 are on the left.

Finish Straight & Podium Access

Grandstands 27, 28, 29 & 30 (Gradinate Traguardo)

Seat type: Grandstand seating
Big screen: Yes
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes

Located directly beneath Grandstand 26, these smaller prefabricated stands sit closer to the track and offer excellent views of the pit lane and podium area.

They are especially popular for the post-race track invasion, as fans here are among the first onto the circuit to celebrate beneath the podium.

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Monza general admission areas

Big screen: Yes
Covered: No
Numbered seating: No

You can get a great view of almost every section of the circuit from general admission zones at Monza. All general admission areas are on the inside of the track, and Friday provides a chance for fans to wonder around and decide where they want to watch the action on Sunday. You’ll want to arrive early on race day to secure your spot, with areas at the Curva Granda and two Lesmo corners popular.

You can also get in front of the grandstands at the entry of the Parabolica, with stone bleachers lining the wide corner.

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You can see most the action on track at the Italian Grand Prix from general admission areas

Monza F1 tips

If you’re desperate to get on the circuit, there’s a gate that opens in the middle of Parabolica after the race to let the fans run on to the track.

The organisers at Monza have suffered some criticism in recent years over the conditions for fans. Due to an increasingly high attendance, the track struggled with long queues but have since revised their strategy for race days.

However, this is one of the most popular races in Formula 1 and is always a sell out events. Therefore, it is definitely worth getting to the circuit early and waiting around after to avoid the worst of the crowds.

Book 2026 Italian F1 Grand Prix tickets

Tickets for the 2026 Italian F1 Grand Prix are now on sale and selling quickly – visit our event page here to secure your spot at Monza today!

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