Column: Jos Verstappen - Monza deserves its place on the calendar

Published on 04 September 2015 by Stefan Meens

Jos Verstappen is still the Netherlands most successful Formula 1 driver. This season he shares his opinions regarding the sport via a column in Dutch daily newspaper De Telegraaf. Below the latest edition.

“It's not the first time Monza's future as a Formula 1 Grand Prix is uncertain. There's still no agreement between the Italian organisation and Bernie Ecclestone for the period that extends beyond 2016. I'm sure that behind the scenes, a lot of negotiating takes place, but many Italians aren't convinced the GP is safe. Even the Italian prime minister Renzi has weighed in on the debate urging that Monza should always be on the F1 calendar.

All motor racing fans will agree with him, including myself. The Autodrome Nazionale di Monza is an institution of Formula 1. It's a legendary race, like Monaco. With its long straights, the infamous Parabolica and a couple of chicanes, Monza is very different compared to the other circuits on the calendar. That's why it's vital we keep the race.

I trust that things will work out. Bernie Ecclestone is a master who knows how to play this game. However, it is not a certainty as the German GP was lost this year. But to be honest, I can't imagine Formula 1 without tracks like Monza, Silverstone, Monaco and Spa. New circuits can be great too, but we have to keep the tradition alive.

What makes Monza special? The answer is easy: the absolute madness of the tifosi. The Italians love racing and you can sense it. There's a unique atmosphere, lots of enthusiasm, chaos and fanaticism. For Italians, Ferrari is not a car, but a religion. 

Monza is Scuderia Toro Rosso's home race. The team has invited more guests and business connection than usual, but for a driver nothing really changes. Max always wants to drive as fast as possible and score points.

It's difficult to predict, but Monza is a power track which normally suggests it's going to be a difficult weekend for the Toro Rosso's as they lack power. But then again, you never know. We didn’t expect much from Spa, but in the race Max' top speed looked good. That was a result of the team stripping of a lot of downforce off the car. Here in Monza, all teams will use 'less wing' so the differences in top speed will probably remain.

Let's hope we don’t have new issues with the Pirelli tyres like Vettel and Rosberg experienced in Spa. Especially on a fast track like Monza, drivers have to have ultimate confidence in their tyres. Around here, there's always lots of entertainment, so we don’t need exploding tyres to add to that."

Jos Verstappen

Source: De Telegraaf/Telesport

Click here to participate in a contest for the Italian GP and win Verstappen-goodies!