7 off-track moments you missed from the 2025 Italian Grand Prix weekend

The 2025 Italian Grand Prix was a weekend of records and big results. Max Verstappen took a commanding win, breaking more Formula 1 records in the process, while McLaren locked out second and third with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri sharing the podium again.

But as always at Monza, the real story stretched beyond the track – full of quirky, stylish, and unexpected moments you might have missed. From Lewis Hamilton’s entrance to Oscar Piastri’s meme-worthy antics, Monza once again proved it’s more than just racing.

Hamilton on two wheels

Hamilton made his first Italian Grand Prix appearance as a Ferrari driver in unforgettable style, roaring into Monza on a motorcycle draped with the Italian flag. It wasn’t just an entrance – it was a statement. The sight of Ferrari’s newest star arriving on two wheels felt more rockstar than racer, a show of theatre that set social media alight within mere moments.

The “inchident” returns

At Monza, the on-track action may have been serious, but some members in the paddock were still happy to laugh at themselves. After team orders affected his race, Oscar Piastri took it well afterwards, channelling Charles Leclerc’s now-iconic “inchident” meme for the cameras. The Australian couldn’t resist recreating Leclerc’s famous line, complete with the deadpan delivery that first made it a viral classic. Fans lapped it up, with clips spreading instantly across social media.

Legends and icons

Monza always attracts royalty, racing or otherwise, and 2025 was no exception. Sir Jackie Stewart, the three-time World Champion, was spotted in the paddock – a living reminder of Formula 1’s golden era. Dressed immaculately in his iconic tartan cap and trousers, Stewart spent time greeting teams and fans, underlining the circuit’s role as a bridge between the sport’s past and its present.

When the chequered flag came out, the honours fell to another icon – Italian track-and-field legend Fiona May. Twice an Olympic silver medallist and long-jump world champion, May brought her athletic pedigree to Monza’s biggest moment, waving the flag with flair and drawing a roar from the grandstands.

Tifosi drip

The Monza grandstands are always a living, breathing sea of Ferrari faithful and 2025 was no different. The Tifosi arrived in force, waving giant flags, beating drums and turning every corner of the circuit red.

It wasn’t just shirts and caps – the Tifosi turned Monza into a costume parade. From the committed group in papal robes to oversized sombreros, vintage racing suits and scarlet body paint, every corner showed a new twist on Ferrari passion. Fans waved Schumacher-era jerseys, held personalised signs for Hamilton and Leclerc, stitched outfits from checkered fabric and even raised banners for Leclerc’s dog Leo and Hamilton’s bulldog Roscoe.

Celebs in the paddock

Monza’s star power was out in force, blending Hollywood glamour, European sport, and international music with the roar of Formula 1. On the grid, actress Phoebe Dynevor brought a touch of red-carpet elegance, while dancer Nikita Kuzmin and model Lauren Jaine turned heads with their stylish appearance. Football royalty also made its way trackside – as Italian striker Mario Balotelli drew plenty of attention during his race-day stroll.

Italian music took centre stage too, with singer Cesare Cremonini among the weekend’s high-profile guests, while French pop icon Aya Nakamura added international flair to the guest list.

Sprint to the Anthem

One of the weekend’s funniest sights? Charles Leclerc, Yuki Tsunoda, and Max Verstappen sprinting to make the national anthem in time – a dash that looked more school sports day than F1 ritual. Proof that even on race day, drivers aren’t immune to a little chaos.

Away from the paddock

Away from the paddock in Monza, there was big news for former F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, as he added another job position to his CV last week, as he was officially unveiled as a Ford Racing Ambassador during the Italian Grand Prix weekend. The announcement tied the ever-popular Australian to one of motorsport’s most historic names, just as Ford gears up for a bigger presence in Formula 1 through its Red Bull partnership in 2026.

His new role underscored the charismatic Aussie’s enduring appeal, with Ricciardo’s personality continuing to attract global partners and fresh opportunities post Formula 1 career.

While the paddock kept its focus on Monza, Sergio Perez enjoyed a weekend away in New York. The recently-announced Cadillac driver was seen courtside at the US Open, taking in the action as Carlos Alcaraz secured victory against Jannik Sinner. A change of scenery, but a reminder that away from the track, the Mexican driver knows how to make the most of his downtime ahead of his comeback next season.