Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix Preview & DFS Projections

Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix Preview

This exciting Formula 1 season continues this Sunday, September 3 at 9:00 AM EST as the drivers hit the track in Monza, Italy for the Italian Grand Prix. After a hectic, rainy return from Summer break last week in the Dutch Grand Prix, we’re sure to get another crazy week of Formula 1 daily fantasy sports in Italy.

‍

The fun begins in Monza this Friday for the practice round, followed by qualifiers on Saturday, and race day Sunday. Follow PrizePicks so you don’t miss a second of the action.

‍

Not a PrizePicks member yet? Sign up with promo code “Playbook” and get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup!

‍

2023 Italian Grand Prix Storylines

Ferrari Returns Home

Maybe the most recognizable brand in the racing world, Scuderia Ferrari, is set to return home to Italy for another great weekend of driving. It’s no secret how much the Italian people love their home team. 

‍

A Ferrari win in the Italian Grand Prix will put your name down in the history books there for generations to come. Just ask Charles Leclerc who won in 2019. Ferrari hasn’t won since then despite several good performances and even Leclerc earning pole position in 2022.

‍

After the Summer break, Ferrari made some upgrades to their car and now hope to dethrone Verstappen and Red Bull as they defend their home turf.

‍

Verstappen Chasing History

Max Verstappen is on an absolute mission on the circuits this year as he’s posted some of the most dominant runs in Formula 1 history. Last week the Dutchman, on his home track for the Dutch Grand Prix, tied a record for most consecutive wins by a driver. 

‍

This weekend in Italy the pressure will be back on Verstappen as he looks to stand alone atop that record board for consecutive wins. 

‍

The Red Bull car looks nearly unstoppable this year. But can Verstappen break the “Monza curse”? The last 3 winners in Monza did not finish the race in the following year. Will history repeat itself?

‍

Young Talent and New Faces on the Grid

With so many household names in Formula 1 this year like Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen, it’s easy to overlook some of the younger drivers making names for themselves. 

‍

Rising stars like Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris have made podium appearances in multiple races despite the top-heavy team standings. Even Oscar Piastri of Mclaren is coming into his own this season and making real pushes for points.

‍

On Alpha Tauri, a young Liam Lawson stepped up in Daniel Ricciardo’s place last week after the Aussie broke his wrist in a crash during a practice round. With almost zero warning or prep time, Lawson was able to rise from 19th at the start to 13th place in the end. All things considered, that’s a pretty impressive F1 debut for the young driver. We’ll be eager to see how he follows up his performance this week in Monza as Ricciardo is still recovering.

‍

Not a PrizePicks member yet? Sign up with promo code “Playbook” and get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup!

‍

2023 Italian Grand Prix DFS Projections

First Pit Stop Time (seconds)

Max Verstappen - Red Bull

An all-around dominant year for both Verstappen and the whole Red Bull crew in 2023. Race after race, Verstappen just keeps finding his way to the front of the pack. In no doubt, that’s in part to the stellar pit crew for the Dutchman. Red Bull currently has the fastest pit stop recorded this year so expect quick stops for Verstappen on Sunday.

To view all F1 Italian Grand Prix DFS projections on the board, click here.

‍

Charles Leclerc - Ferrari

On the other end of the spectrum, Ferrari has been shaky in the pits recently. Last week in the Dutch Grand Prix, Leclerc and crew’s poor communication caused several errors in the pit and on the track. 

‍

The Ferrari driver and crew will have to step up their game this week if they hope to deliver a win for their home fans.

‍

To view all F1 Italian Grand Prix DFS projections on the board, click here.

‍

Lewis Hamilton - Mercedes

Another former Monza winner hoping to reclaim glory and his first win of the season, Lewis Hamilton. After winning in 2020, Hamilton fell to the Monza curse in 2021 and failed to finish after Verstappen crashed into him.

‍

Hamilton has struggled this year and will certainly need to be firing on all cylinders if he hopes to take back the podium in Italy.

To view all F1 Italian Grand Prix DFS projections on the board, click here.

‍

Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix DFS with PrizePicks

Another thrilling race weekend is here and we couldn’t be more excited to cover all of the top F1 DFS picks and storylines with you. With so much history on the line, it’s sure to be an intense and unforgettable race in Monza, Italy for the 2023 Italian Grand Prix. 

‍Go check out the board now to submit your entries so you’re ready for race day!

‍

Not a PrizePicks member yet? Sign up with promo code “Playbook” and get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup!

‍