Vettel, Hamilton lead reaction to Monza renewal

Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton have voiced their delight at hearing Monza has secured a new three-year deal to retain the F1 Italian Grand Prix.

Bernie Ecclestone and event organisers held a press conference at the circuit on Friday to confirm the Italian Grand Prix will remain at Monza for 2017, 2018 and 2019. One of the oldest-serving venues on the calendar, Monza’s F1 future has nonetheless been under threat for more than 12 months as negotiations between Ecclestone and organisers continually broke down over hosting fees and upgrade de- mand disputes.

Despite the F1 supremo conceding the legal contract has yet been signed it has been agreed in effect, much to the joy of the drivers.

Vettel, who claimed his maiden F1 win with Toro Rosso in 2008 at the Italian circuit, has always heralded the place as very special both to him and Ferrari while being determined to make more history ‘at home in the red suit’.

“It’s really good news that Monza will stay for another three years,” Vettel said. “We need this track in the calendar, it’s fantastic. Monza means history, tradition, racing.”

Hamilton echoed the German’s sentiments as he targets a third consecutive race win at Monza to become just the second driver in history to achieve the feat after Juan Manuel Fangio (between 1953-55).