“Monza has got a very particular DNA,” explains Deputy Technical Director Simone Resta, who in 2025 is preparing for his first Italian Grand Prix since joining our Brackley family at the end of last season.
“Monza has always been the image of speed, the light cars, and the little wings.
“Then there are the surroundings, inside the park under the trees. It is all so historical and unique. The original Parabolica, around the banking, is such a great corner, it is so impressive when you see it in real life.
“The level of risk those drivers were taking in the past was so impressive. They really were pioneers.”
Simone’s earliest F1 memories do not actually involve Monza. Instead, it was the sights and sounds of Imola – 275km south-east away – that first drew the Italian to Formula 1.
“I could hear the noise of the cars from my house, and that made me more passionate about this world.
“At the start of the early 80s I would go to Rivazza with my dad to watch the cars go by. It led me to university and that all started my journey to the sport.
“Both Monza and Imola meant a lot to me. They meant passion, they meant being closer to the event, so they definitely helped in building and cementing this love I have for the sport.”
Like so many who have plied their trade in F1 for the majority of their working life, some of the most vivid memories of Simone’s time at Monza come from those full circle family moments.
“In the first few years I remember walking with my girlfriend – who is now my wife – to the track through the trees, having parked a long way away.
“There were lots of places to eat, drink, and dance – it was one big show and proves that the event can attract such a wide audience.
“Years later, we went back with our two children – and the level of noise was very high when the cars came by at full throttle along the straight.
“My daughter and son were very young, so we had to put earplugs in their ears, but even with those in they were still crying because of the noise!”