Italian GP: schedule and where to watch qualifying with Gabriel Bortoleto in F1 at Monza Por Thiago Lemos
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Monza, Italy, hosts the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11 a.m. (Brasília time), determining the grid for the 16th race of the season. The event, held at the iconic Monza International Circuit, features Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto of Sauber, who impressed in practice sessions. The broadcast is live on Band, BandSports, and F1TV, with the final practice at 7:30 a.m. McLaren, led by Oscar Piastri, dominates the championship, but Ferrari, backed by local fans, aims to shine at home. Journalist Mariana Becker’s absence, replaced by Thiago Fagnani, also sparks curiosity among Brazilian fans.
The Italian GP, a staple since 1950, is one of motorsport’s most traditional races. Ferrari, with 20 victories, is the most successful team in Monza, while Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher lead among drivers with five wins each. Brazil, with 10 wins, ranks as the second most successful country in the race.
- Weekend highlights:
- Gabriel Bortoleto, a Brazilian rookie, finished 11th and 12th in practice sessions.
- Lewis Hamilton led the first practice, with Lando Norris topping the second.
- Qualifying sets the grid for Sunday’s race at 10 a.m.
Known as the “Temple of Speed,” Monza promises thrills with its long straights and challenging corners, drawing thousands of passionate Ferrari fans, the tifosi.
Brazilian performance in Monza
Gabriel Bortoleto, 20, is Brazil’s big news in Formula 1 for 2025. After winning the 2024 Formula 3 title, the Sauber driver showed consistency in practice, outpacing teammate Nico Hulkenberg in the first session. His participation marks Brazil’s return to the F1 grid after an eight-year gap, reigniting fans’ hopes. Bortoleto, from São Paulo, faces scrutiny from fans and media as he aims to solidify his place in a season dominated by McLaren and Ferrari.
The young driver has stood out for his focus and quick adaptation to Sauber’s car. In practice, he tackled Monza’s demanding layout, with long straights testing engine power and corners like Parabolica requiring precision. His performance is seen as a gauge for the rest of the season.
- Facts about Bortoleto at the Italian GP:
- Debuted in F1 in 2025 after winning Formula 3.
- Outpaced veteran teammate Hulkenberg in the first practice.
- Aims for a strong qualifying result to start well on Sunday.
- First Brazilian on the grid since Felipe Massa in 2017.
Bortoleto’s run evokes memories of Brazilian greats like Ayrton Senna and Nelson Piquet, who also shone in Monza.
Our top three in FP3 👀
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 6, 2025
🥇 Norris
🥈 Leclerc
🥉 Piastri#F1 #ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/moEfcHvCGE
History and tradition of the Italian GP
The Italian Grand Prix is a cornerstone of Formula 1, held since the category’s inception in 1950. Except for 1980, when it took place in Imola, Monza has always hosted this iconic race. Ferrari, with its fervent fanbase, has made the circuit a symbol of motorsport passion. The team’s 20 wins contrast with McLaren’s current dominance, led by Oscar Piastri.
Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari, aims to match or surpass Michael Schumacher’s Monza record, with both holding five victories. Hamilton, who led the first practice, showed strong pace. Meanwhile, Lando Norris, fastest in the second practice, signals McLaren’s strength as favorites.
The Italian GP’s history includes memorable moments, like Rubens Barrichello’s wins in 2002 and 2004, contributing to Brazil’s 10 victories. The 2025 race promises to uphold this tradition of excitement, with rivalries among Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes heating up the grid.
Mariana Becker’s absence from the broadcast
The absence of journalist Mariana Becker, a familiar face in Brazil’s Formula 1 coverage, has caught fans’ attention. Replaced by Thiago Fagnani for the Italian GP, Becker has missed five races in 2025, including Bahrain, Miami, Imola, and Spain. Band adopted a rotation system among its reporters, with Fagnani and Felipe Kieling covering some races.
Despite her absence, Becker remains the network’s main reporter, particularly for events like the Brazilian GP, where coverage expands. Fagnani, who also covers Formula 2 and 3, has experience in races like Miami and Interlagos in 2024, ensuring broadcast quality. Band’s decision reflects the strain of a 24-race calendar and the need to balance workloads.
- Details on Band’s coverage:
- Mariana Becker covers most races but shares duties with Fagnani and Kieling.
- Fagnani handles the Italian GP and will cover the U.S. GP in Austin.
- Band broadcasts qualifying live, alongside BandSports and F1TV.
Becker’s absence, known for interviews with drivers like Hamilton and Norris, has sparked social media buzz, with fans missing her charismatic presence.
Expectations for qualifying and the race
Saturday’s qualifying is pivotal for setting Sunday’s starting grid. Based on practice sessions, McLaren appears as the team to beat, but Ferrari, fueled by local support, is poised to challenge for top spots. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, who placed among the top three in practice, are strong contenders for pole.
Gabriel Bortoleto, though a rookie, could surprise if he maintains his practice form. Sauber, while not among the top teams, has shown progress, and a solid qualifying could position the Brazilian competitively for Sunday’s race.
- Factors that may influence qualifying:
- Dry weather forecast for Monza.
- Tire strategies, with soft compounds favored for fast laps.
- Ferrari’s push to repeat their 2024 victory.
- Hamilton’s pressure to match Schumacher’s record.
Sunday’s race, set for 10 a.m., promises a spectacle, with the Italian crowd creating an electric atmosphere. Rivalries among teams and Bortoleto’s performance keep Brazilian fans tuned in to Monza.
Monza circuit trivia
The Monza International Circuit, stretching 5.793 km, is one of Formula 1’s fastest tracks, with speeds exceeding 340 km/h on straights. Its history is tied to Ferrari, turning the race into a near-religious event for tifosi. The circuit has undergone safety upgrades while preserving its challenging essence.
Monza is known for unpredictable races, frequent overtaking, and varied strategies. The 2025 edition marks the 76th Italian GP, underscoring its calendar significance. The mix of young talents like Bortoleto and veterans like Hamilton adds intrigue, blending experience with boldness.
- Monza’s standout numbers:
- 20 Ferrari wins, an all-time record.
- 5 victories for Hamilton and Schumacher, the most among drivers.
- 10 Brazilian wins, led by Senna and Barrichello.
- Average lap speed of 250 km/h.
The 2025 Italian GP promises another unforgettable chapter in Formula 1’s history, with thrills guaranteed on and off the track.
