Fernando Alonso believes Monza has lost one of its defining characteristics under Formula 1’s 2026 regulations. After the Italian Grand Prix, the Aston Martin driver argued that the circuit can no longer be considered the “Temple of Speed” because the cars are reaching lower top speeds than at several other venues.
The Spaniard compared the figures recorded at Monza with those from the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona and the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest. While speeds reached around 350-360 km/h in Barcelona and 355 km/h in Budapest, Alonso said the figure at Monza was closer to 312 km/h.
The comments come after a weekend in which straight-line performance was a major weakness for Aston Martin. Alonso had already struggled in qualifying, where he finished 21st, with the AMR26 among the slowest cars through the speed trap.
“It was different from what we’ve experienced so far at Monza. We arrive here and it says we’re entering the ‘Temple of Speed’. But it’s no longer the ‘Temple of Speed’,” Alonso said.
“In Barcelona, I think we reached 350 km/h or 360 km/h, and in Budapest, 355 km/h. And in Monza, we were around 312 km/h. So, it’s no longer the ‘Temple of Speed’.”
The loss of top speed is partly linked to the characteristics of the new-generation cars and power units introduced for 2026. At Monza, the effect was particularly noticeable on the long straights, where cars appeared to stop gaining speed before reaching the end of the run. GRANDE PRÊMIO had already highlighted the phenomenon during Friday’s running at the Italian GP. GRANDE PRÊMIO’s analysis of the new cars at Monza
Alonso finds little to celebrate in difficult Aston Martin weekend
Alonso’s criticism came during a difficult weekend for Aston Martin. After starting from the pit lane because of power-unit changes made under parc fermé conditions, the two-time world champion retired on lap 23 after running over the kerbs at Turn 7 and feeling something wrong with the car. Alonso explains Italian GP retirement after Aston Martin damage
Despite the lack of performance, Alonso said he at least enjoyed some of the on-track battles with Cadillac during the race.
“We were with the Cadillacs, so at least we had a little bit of fun in the race. But, yeah, a difficult weekend,” he concluded.
Formula 1 now heads to Madrid for the 14th round of the 2026 season. The Spanish Grand Prix will take place from September 11-13 at the new MADRING street circuit, marking F1’s first race at the venue. GRANDE PRÊMIO’s latest coverage of the 2026 Spanish GP GRANDE PRÊMIO will follow all the action from Madrid.
FAQ
Why is Monza called the Temple of Speed?
Monza earned the nickname because of its long straights, high-speed corners and traditionally high top speeds, making it one of the fastest circuits on the Formula 1 calendar.
What was Fernando Alonso’s top speed at the 2026 Italian GP?
Alonso was among the slowest cars in the Monza speed trap, with the Aston Martin struggling for straight-line performance. The driver compared the roughly 312 km/h figure he cited at Monza with 350-360 km/h in Barcelona and 355 km/h in Budapest.
When is the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix?
The Spanish Grand Prix takes place from September 11-13, 2026, at the new MADRING street circuit in Madrid. It is the 14th round of the 2026 F1 season.
