WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The key storylines post summer break in Monza

Here are the few storylines we think you should be looking out for at Round 10 of the season in Monza

The summer break is over which means it is time to return to racing, as the paddock heads to Monza for Round 10 of the 2026 season.

The Temple of Speed is a favourite for many drivers, teams and fans, and with the title fight closer than ever we can expect another fascinating trip to Italy.

But before we hit the track, here are a few storylines to look out for this weekend…

THE TITLE CHASING TRIO

Heading into the weekend, Nikola Tsolov leads the Drivers’ Standings on 167 points with Gabriele Minì and Rafael Câmara just 20 and 22 points behind respectively.

Monza has previously played an integral role in the title fight, such as in 2024 when Gabriel Bortoleto’s championship comeback started with an iconic victory from last in the Feature Race.

Tsolov, Minì and Câmara would rather not tempt fate by starting at the back this weekend, but a strong three days on F2’s return to action could prove vital in the championship battle.

Tsolov and Câmara are strong contenders for the title going into Monza

There are not many rounds left in the season so each point will be vital, and with all three drivers having achieved multiple victories they will be confident of being back on the top step in Monza.

The results this weekend will not decide the title for either of this three, but it could give them the momentum boost they need going into the final part of the season.

A PUNCHER’S CHANCE

For a long time Alexander Dunne had been firmly in the title fight, but he returns to the paddock 59 points behind Tsolov.

The Rodin Motorsport driver still had a chance having had had a consistent year, but he has not been on the podium since Barcelona.

Last time out in Budapest, damage in Qualifying left him down starting down the order in both races, and he did not score a single point.

But Dunne has shown what he is capable of doing in a Formula 2 car and as previously said we have seen title comebacks start in Monza.

Dunne and Beganovic both have an outside chance of claiming the title

The Irish driver will not be the only driver hoping to start their fightback however, as the likes of Noel León, Kush Maini and Dino Beganovic will also be keen to close that gap.

The top three may be far ahead but a lot can happen in Formula 2, and will there is still being a chance for many drivers, they will be battling hard in Monza.

DO YOU WANT POLE?

On Formula 2’s previous nine visits to Monza, only twice has the pole-sitter converted that starting position into Feature Race victory.

The first was Oscar Piastri in 2021 and the second was Luke Browning last season.

We have seen Bortoleto win from last, we have also watched Tadasuke Makino take victory from P14, and Mick Schumacher from seventh.

This is to say that the results in Qualifying should not be how the drivers define success this weekend. Piastri and Browning proved you can win from pole, while others showed that you can make a fightback through the field.

Bortoleto won from the 2024 Monza Feature Race from the back of the grid

So even if you’re favourite driver does not take pole on Friday, they are still very much in the running for victory in both races around Monza.

HOME TEAMS EYEING SUCCESS

The drivers will be eyeing victory no doubt, but so will the teams, especially two Italian outfits in the field – TRIDENT and PREMA Racing.

The latter have an incredible record at Monza, having taken seven victories there in Formula 2. This includes a famous double in 2023 when Frederik Vesti won the Sprint and Oliver Bearman claimed Feature Race victory.

TRIDENT on the other hand have not been able to replicate that success but they do have two podiums at the Temple of Speed – Bent Viscaal finished second in 2021 and Richard Verschoor in 2024.

They have shown great pace this year with Laurens van Hoepen and John Bennett, so they will feel they are very much primed for their first win in Monza.

As for PREMA, it has not been the smoothest of years, but there is no better place to get back on track than at home.

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