Stay at home, Tifosi! 2023 Italian GP Preview

The 'Temple of Speed' and the 'Tifosi' - will this unique love affair and emotion be rewarded with success this weekend at the 2023 Italian Grand Prix?

That's what the tifosi and their beloved Scuderia Ferrari would be hoping for. But given Ferrari's form, the tifosi might be better off staying at home!

In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah preview the 2023 Italian Grand Prix. Will Max Verstappen claim the record for 10 successive wins in Formula 1? Or can someone actually halt his race-winning streak? Of course, the 'curse of Monza' is yet to be broken. But VER losing due to the Monza curse would be pure cruel!

But which team will be second-fastest at Monza? McLaren and Aston Martin have had a straightline speed deficit. Will their upgrades bring them into play? If Ferrari keep fumbling, is Mercedes the default team to claim P2? Could Williams have an outside chance given their recent recovery?

Lots of narratives and emotions will be at play this weekend in Monza, and maybe some rain, too?

Tune in!

(Season 2023, Episode 45)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Ferrari

**Inside Line F1 Podcast: Previewing the 2023 Italian Grand Prix at Monza**

* **Key Points:**

1. **Monza's Significance:** The Italian Grand Prix at Monza holds a special place in Formula One history and is known as the "Temple of Speed." This year, the focus is on whether Max Verstappen can extend his winning streak to 10 consecutive races or if someone can break his dominance.

2. **Ferrari's Home Race:** The race weekend at Monza marks Ferrari's home race, and the team faces immense pressure to perform well in front of their passionate fans, known as the "tifosi." However, Ferrari has struggled for consistency this season, raising questions about their ability to deliver a strong result.

3. **Alternative Tire Allocation (ATA):** The Italian Grand Prix will feature an alternative tire allocation, with harder compounds in Q1, medium compounds in Q2, and softer compounds in Q3. This could lead to strategic variations and potentially shake up the qualifying order.

4. **Straight-Line Speed Battle:** Teams like McLaren and Aston Martin, which have struggled with straight-line speed, will look to their upgrades to improve their performance at Monza. Mercedes is considered the default contender for P2 if Ferrari falters, while Williams could be a surprise contender given their recent recovery.

5. **Qualifying Chaos:** Monza is notorious for its qualifying chaos, with drivers often struggling to maintain sensible track positions. The shorter circuit layout can lead to a train of cars, and drivers are eager to avoid being the first car out on track.

6. **Verstappen's Winning Streak:** There is speculation about whether Verstappen's impressive winning streak will continue at Monza. Some believe he will extend it to 10 consecutive wins, while others suggest that the Italian Grand Prix curse, where the previous year's winner fails to win the following year, may come into play.

7. **Underdog Performances:** Monza has a history of providing opportunities for underdog teams and drivers to shine. Alex Albon's recent success with Williams, despite their straight-line speed deficit, highlights the potential for surprises.

8. **Alpine's Momentum:** Alpine has shown strong momentum in the second half of the season and could be a contender for a good qualifying performance, especially with Pierre Gasly's recent impressive performances.

9. **Liam Lawson's Debut:** Liam Lawson will have an extended run with AlphaTauri due to Daniel Ricciardo's absence. Lawson's performance at Monza will be closely watched, as he aims to impress Red Bull and AlphaTauri and potentially secure a seat for 2024.

10. **Monza's Unique Atmosphere:** The Italian Grand Prix is known for its passionate atmosphere, with the tifosi creating a unique energy that enhances the race weekend experience.

11. **Live Event in Mumbai:** The Inside Line F1 Podcast will host a live event in Mumbai at Khar Social, featuring a quiz and a lively atmosphere for fans to enjoy the race together.