Italian F1 Grand Prix 2016: Start Time, Drivers, TV Schedule and More
Mercedes duo Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg are neck and neck in the Formula One drivers' championship as the field enters the 2016 Italian Grand Prix at Monza on Sunday.
Rosberg took the maximum points on offer in Belgium as the reigning world champion trailed in third, but the British icon remains nine points clear at the top of the current standings.
The flying German has his best chance to win the championship this season, and victory in Italy could see him leapfrog his Silver Arrows team-mate.
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Monza remains one of the sport's heritage track venues and is always one of the most eagerly awaited races in the Formula One diary.
Here is how you can follow the action:
Date: Sunday, Sept. 4
Race Time: 1 p.m. BST/8 a.m. ET
TV: Sky Sports F1 and HD, Channel 4 and HD, NBC
Live Stream: Sky Go, ALL 4, NBC Sports Live Extra
For a look at the full field of drivers, visit Formula One's official website.
Preview
After Rosberg's win in Belgium, Hamilton must dig deep and capture victory at Monza as he attempts to win a third drivers' title in a row.
The Brit was forced to start at the back of the grid last time out due to engine penalties incurred, but his podium finish ensured the race winner did not take top spot in the overall championship.
The opportunity to win vital points is running out fast as the races evaporate, and events in Italy could have a major influence in where the title ends up.
Hamilton was impressive through practice, but a competitive field will see a huge fight for position from the first corner at the Autodromo Nazionale's fast layout.
The track allows Mercedes to play to their strengths, and it is unlikely a Silver Arrows racer will not climb the winner's podium at the end of Sunday.
The world champion has won three of the last four Italian Grand Prix races, and he loves the battles that occur at Monza each season.
The race will be the last-ever in Italy for former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, who announced his retirement, as Formula1.com reported.
The Brazilian ace, who is still hugely popular with Italian motorsport fans, will bow out at the end of the season after making his debut with Sauber back in 2002.
The veteran driver gave an emotional farewell in a recent press conference, per Formula 1.com:
"My career has been more than I ever expected and I am proud of what I have achieved. Finally, it is a great honour to finish my career at such an amazing team as Williams Martini Racing. It will be an emotional day when I finally conclude my Formula One career with my 250th Grand Prix start in Abu Dhabi.
"
A collision between Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen and Max Verstappen at Spa destroyed the three drivers' chances of points in Belgium, but the alpha males will return to prominence in Italy.
Vettel remained firm in his convictions ahead of the race after the recent collision, according to Sky Sports F1:
Ferrari need to put forward a good account of themselves at their home track, but their car simply doesn't have the brute speed of the Mercedes.
Fernando Alonso was the last Ferrari driver to prevail at Monza, six years ago, and it's unlikely the famous team will win this edition of of the Italian Grand Prix.
Mercedes will want to capture the top two spots once more, as they give both their drivers equal opportunity to become world champion in 2016.
Hamilton has outperformed Rosberg at each vital point in the past two years of racing, and his current form promises a stellar conclusion to the championship as both speed merchants fight to the bitter end.
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