The Queen’s Death Brings Unique Changes to Upcoming F1 Italian GP

F1 mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth, the monarch that has witnessed each F1 era. The Queen had even been audience to the first Grand Prix in Silverstone. However, now, ahead of the Italian GP, the sport bid adieu to the royal.

However, with the queen’s death, there will be some repercussions for the race in Monza this weekend.

Change in celebrations for Lewis Hamilton and other Brits

Max Verstappen has shown his domination over the last races. However, Monza is a circuit of surprises. With the last three races on the historic track bringing chills and glory to the underdog, fans do hope for a repeat of fate.

This could include Sir Lewis Hamilton, who is yet to stand on the top step of the F1 rostrum. However, the victory could go to George Russell or Lando Norris as well. If the Monza effect favors the Brits, there will be a change in their celebration of victory.

Read more: Christian Horner Made Lunchtime Conversation With the Queen of England Regarding Red Bull’s Most Controversial F1 Race: “She Seemed to Show Great Interest”

If a Brit wins the Italian GP, it would mark the first time in F1 history that God Save the Queen wouldn’t play for the winner. As God Save the King becomes the National Anthem, the tune has only been played twice in F1- for championship events in 1950 and 1951.

Limited Streaming of Italian GP events

Coverage of the weekend’s race will be cut short following the death of Her Highness. Sky sport’s broadcast will be reduced in length- the qualifying build-up will be scaled back to 30 minutes instead of the usual 6, and the race day build-up will now be 60 minutes instead of 90. They have also removed the post-race F1 show from the schedule.

The duration of the on-track events, however, remains unaltered.

The schedule of the Italian GP is as follows:

Qualifying: 10-11 am [ET], 3 pm [GMT]

Race: 9-11 am [ET], 2 pm [GMT]

A minute’s silence for the queen

F1 had held a somber moment for the monarch ahead of the first free practice session on Friday. This comes after tributes poured in from teams, drivers, and team principals alike. Teams gathered in the pit lanes in front of their garages as the world stood still in the memory of beloved Queen Lizzy.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali summarized the feeling of the F1 fraternity with a poignant statement regarding the Queen’s passing. “For more than seven decades she has dedicated her life to public service with dignity and devotion and inspired so many around the world”

As the world marks the end of an era, the widespread reach of the Queen will forever have its effects, even in something as temporary as a Grand Prix.

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