Exploring the Temple of Speed: A Guide to the Monza Circuit Tour

The Autodromo Nazionale Monza is one of the most hallowed venues in motorsport, home to the Italian Grand Prix and often referred to as the “Temple of Speed” (Tempio della Velocità). The circuit tour allows fans to literally follow in the footsteps of legends.

The 2026 tour experience blends the modern Formula 1 environment with the circuit’s rich, historic past. Visitors can access the current paddock area, walk through the team garages, and stand on the iconic podium, where champions like Schumacher, Hamilton, and Verstappen have celebrated victories.

The true highlight, however, is the past: visitors get to see the famous, abandoned high-banked oval sections (Pista Sopraelevata). These steep concrete curves are remnants of 1960s racing, standing today as monuments to engineering brilliance and a pure obsession with speed. The Monza tour isn’t just about modern F1; it is a pilgrimage to the very roots of motorsport.

What You Will See:

The Podium: One of the most unique in F1, as it is a suspended platform overhanging the track, where winners celebrate directly above thousands of fans.
Race Control and Briefing Room: The high-tech rooms where race directors monitor every second of the action and where drivers receive their final instructions.
Press Room: Where over 300 international journalists gather to report on the Italian Grand Prix.
The Historic High-Speed Oval: A true highlight of the tour is seeing the legendary banked curves. This concrete oval was used until the 1960s and remains a testament to the daring (and dangerous) nature of early motorsport.
Paddock and Garages: A walk through the nerve center where the teams set up their headquarters.

Home of Italian Icons

Monza is deeply intertwined with the history of Italian automotive excellence. It is the “backyard” for brands like Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati.

Vincenzo Lancia and Felice Nazzaro: These Italian racing pioneers literally laid the last two bricks of the circuit during its construction in 1922.
Alberto Ascari: Italy’s only two-time F1 World Champion is immortalized at the track through the famous Variante Ascari (Ascari Chicane). Tragically, it was also the site of his fatal crash in 1955, making it a solemn spot for fans.
The Tifosi Culture: While international stars like Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton hold the record for most wins (5 each), any Ferrari victory at Monza—such as those by Charles Leclerc or past Italian winners like Ludovico Scarfiotti (the last Italian to win at Monza in a Ferrari, 1966)—triggers a massive “track invasion” that is a bucket-list experience for any visitor.

Getting There and Best Times to Visit

The circuit is located roughly 20 km north of Milan.

By Train: From Milano Centrale or Milano Garibaldi, take a train to Monza Station (approx. 15-20 minutes). From the station, you can take the Z221 bus or a shuttle (during major events) to the park entrance.
By Car: It’s a 30-40 minute drive from Milan. Parking is available within Monza Park, though fees may apply depending on the gate used.
Recommended Timing:
To maximize your visit, arriving during the “shoulder” seasons of May, June, or late September is ideal, as the mild Italian weather makes walking the expansive grounds and the steep concrete banking much more comfortable. Always check the official event calendar before traveling, as the circuit frequently hosts private testing or GT races that can restrict access to certain areas. If you are visiting during a non-race weekend, the atmosphere is serene, allowing you to pair your tour with a bike rental to explore the Monza Park, one of the largest walled parks in Europe. This provides a perfect contrast between the high-octane history of the track and the peaceful, aristocratic beauty of the neighboring Villa Reale.

Costs and Booking (2026 Prices)

The circuit offers several tour tiers to suit different interests:

Guided Tour: The standard guided tour (called “Race” or “Experience”) includes access to the main F1 areas like the paddock, team garages, and the podium, costing around €18 – €25 per person.
Historical Tour: This option is usually part of a specific “Experience + Track” package that focuses on the circuit’s heritage, including the abandoned high-banked oval, costing around €30.
Track Experience: Certain premium driving packages allow visitors the thrilling opportunity to drive a supercar (like a Ferrari or Lamborghini) on the historic racetrack, with prices starting from around $300 and varying greatly depending on the car and laps.
Combined Museum Tour: The circuit sometimes offers a combined ticket with the nearby museum, and general admission to the track area itself (without a tour) is free.

It is highly recommended to book online via the official Monza Circuit website as availability depends on track activity and testing schedules.

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