Italian GP 2026: Schedule and How to Watch on Sky Sports

The 2026 Formula 1 season is heating up at the Italian Grand Prix. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli faces a significant challenge as he will start at the back of the grid due to a power unit change. Antonelli currently holds a 59-point lead over George Russell and Lewis Hamilton in the Drivers' Championship. However, Lando Norris, who is 83 points behind, has won the last two races and poses a considerable threat.

With Antonelli unlikely to secure a win at Monza, this presents a crucial opportunity for his rivals to close the gap in the championship standings.

Ferrari, with strong support from their passionate home crowd, the Tifosi, is expected to introduce new engines for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton's cars, though they will not incur grid penalties. The team hopes these upgrades will propel them back to winning form, especially after challenging races in Hungary and the Netherlands, circuits where Ferrari was anticipated to perform well.

Max Verstappen, the winner of last year's Italian Grand Prix, and Red Bull, could also be competitive this weekend, leveraging their potent engine performance.

Italian GP Track - Monza

Monza, often called the "Temple of Speed," is one of the four original circuits from the 1950 Formula 1 World Championship calendar, alongside Monaco, Silverstone, and Spa-Francorchamps. Its long straights are a defining characteristic.

The primary overtaking point is the chicane at Turn 1, with the battle often extending through the Curve Grande and into Turn 4. Following this are two 90-degree right-handers, known as the Lesmos, leading into another long straight towards the Ascari Chicane. The final corner of the circuit is the iconic Parabolica.

Italian GP Weather in Monza

The current weather forecast for Monza indicates clear skies and sunny conditions throughout the race weekend, with air temperatures expected to be around 30°C. Rain is not anticipated to affect the on-track action.

Italian GP Dates, UK Start Time, and Sky Sports F1 Live Schedule

Thursday, September 3
1:00 PM: Drivers' Press Conference
4:00 PM: Paddock Uncut

Friday, September 4
7:30 AM: F3 Practice
8:55 AM: F2 Practice
11:00 AM: Italian Grand Prix Practice One (session begins 11:30 AM)*
12:55 PM: F3 Qualifying
1:50 PM: F2 Qualifying
2:35 PM: Italian Grand Prix Practice Two (session begins 3:00 PM)
4:15 PM: The F1 Show
5:20 PM: Team Bosses' Press Conference

Saturday, September 5
8:25 AM: F3 Sprint
11:15 AM: Italian Grand Prix Practice Three (session begins 11:30 AM)
1:10 PM: F2 Sprint
2:15 PM: Italian Grand Prix Qualifying Build-up
3:00 PM: ITALIAN GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
5:00 PM: Ted's Qualifying Notebook

Sunday, September 6
7:10 AM: F3 Feature Race
8:40 AM: F2 Feature Race
10:40 AM: Porsche Supercup Race
12:30 PM: Grand Prix Sunday: Italian GP Build-up
2:00 PM: THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX
4:00 PM: Chequered Flag: Italian GP Reaction
5:00 PM: Ted's Notebook

*Also available on Sky Sports Main Event.

How to Watch or Stream the Italian Grand Prix in the UK and Ireland

For Sky Customers:

TV: Sky Sports F1 will broadcast live coverage from the first practice session on Friday morning through to the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, September 6, at 2:00 PM.

App: Sky customers can also watch the race on the Sky Sports app, with the option to follow any driver on-board.

For Non-Sky Customers:

Stream: Non-Sky customers can stream the action with a NOW Day or a cancel-anytime Month pass.

Live Blog: Follow live coverage of the race weekend via our dedicated F1 blog.

FREE Highlights: Watch F1 highlights shortly after the race concludes on the Sky Sports app.

How to Watch the Italian GP on Mobile with the Sky Sports App

1. Download or open the Sky Sports app.
2. Navigate to the 'Watch' section at 12:30 PM on Sunday for the build-up, before the race starts at 2:00 PM.
3. Select the Sky Sports F1 channel.
4. Sign in with your Sky iD (this is a one-time process).

Formula 1 returns to Monza for Ferrari's home race, the Italian Grand Prix, from September 4-6, live on Sky Sports F1.