So who is hot? If Ferrari is a religion in Italy then Fernando is the current
messiah.
And who is not? Lewis Hamilton has a point to prove after his crash at Spa
last time out. I didn’t feel that was totally his fault but he admits
himself he has been involved in too many race incidents this season. He has
also crashed out the last two years at Monza so he needs a solid race.
The sense of history at Monza is palpable. As you enter the Parco Reale, you
can feel the passion; the craziness of the Tifosi trying to get in. They
maintain the park so well. If you walk through the woods and out to the old
banking when the cars aren’t running you can trick yourself into thinking
you are back in the 1950s and 1960s.
The element of danger here also affords Monza respect. It has claimed some big
names — from Jochen Rindt to Ronnie Peterson. My win here in 1997 was one of
my favourites because you know it is a special place. Monza is easily the
fastest track on the F1 circuit; so fast that teams need bespoke aero
packages just for this race, with 73 per cent of the lap spent at full
throttle — more than at any other circuit.
This year, with the movable rear wings [Drag Reduction System], teams will be
able to reach 340-odd kph with more downforce than usual, meaning they can
take the corners even faster than before. And with two DRS zones there
should be plenty of overtaking.
My prediction for the weekend? Hard to say based on Friday’s practice but I
think McLaren are the team to beat with Red Bull — who have never finished
higher than fourth here — battling for a podium. But never discount Ferrari.
Particularly at home.