In the second part of the post-shutdown double-header, Oscar heads to Northern Italy for his first Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix. Here’s all the key OP info ahead of the race…

• Oscar last raced at Monza in 2021 during his Formula 2 championship-winning season when he took his maiden feature race win in the category from pole
• He also podiumed there the previous year in Formula 3 on the way to wrapping up the title, his sixth podium of the season
• The grand prix will see 53 laps of the 5.793km circuit, which consists of 11 corners (7 right handers and 4 left-handers)
• Since F1 started in 1950, Monza has been on the F1 calendar every year except one. On the very first calendar in 1950, it held the prestigious last race on 3rd September 1950
• The Autodromo Nazionale Monza is otherwise known as the ‘Temple of Speed’ with drivers at full throttle for approximately 80% of the lap
• The track is set in the grounds of the largest city park in Europe, about 30km northeast of Milan, Italy’s fashion capital

On the Autodromo Nazionale Monza…

“It’s a really fast low downforce track with long straights, chicanes and sweeping turns and I think it’s going to be great fun to take on in a Formula 1 car.

We are at full throttle for the majority of the lap, pushing the car to the limit, so this is a track that all the drivers tend to enjoy.”

On the atmosphere…

“Everyone knows about the Tifosi, the noise, the passion for motorsport in Italy and of course, the iconic podium celebrations after the race.

I’ve experienced the atmosphere in F3 and F2 and I’m sure it will dial up even further for the Formula 1 race. I do have a bit of Italian heritage in me as my great grandparents on one side of the family were from there, so hopefully I can do well.”

On happy memories…

“I always look forward to going back to Monza and remember my feature race win in F2, very fondly.

It’s been a quick turnaround after Zandvoort with just a few days in between but I’m very happy to be getting straight back down to business.”