Simone Resta reflects on Ferrari memories as he prepares for his first Italian Grand Prix with Mercedes
Monza, with its deep history tied to speed, is more than just a racetrack – it is an emotional and technical crossroads for anyone working in Formula 1. For Simone Resta, now deputy technical director at Mercedes, the 2025 Italian Grand Prix marks a symbolic moment: his first race weekend at Monza since joining the Brackley team.
Resta describes Monza as a venue that goes beyond the asphalt. It is not just about the long straights and low downforce wings, but about the unique aura of the park setting and iconic corners like the Parabolica, which still echo the heroic risks of a bygone era of motorsport.
From childhood passion to the heart of Formula 1
His passion for racing, however, was born elsewhere. Imola was the place that first left its mark. As a child, Simone Resta could hear the roar of the engines from home and would go with his father to the Rivazza corners in the early 1980s. Those formative experiences laid the foundations for a journey that eventually brought him into the core of Formula 1, linking the fascination of Italy’s two most historic circuits.
Over the years, Monza also became a personal touchstone. In his early paddock days, the Italian Grand Prix weekend was tied to moments with his partner – now his wife – enjoying long walks in the park and soaking up the festive atmosphere. Later, he returned with his young children, experiencing the deafening power of the cars from a parent’s perspective, handing out earplugs yet still unable to shield them completely from the thunderous sound of the main straight.
The roar of Ferrari and unforgettable podium scenes
For Simone Resta, noise at Monza is not only about engines but also about passion. The sound of the crowd often blends with the cars, exploding in a unique wave of energy when Ferrari is on track. He lived that firsthand from 2001 onwards, when he joined Maranello and celebrated unforgettable wins with Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello. The sight of the podium draped in red flags and overwhelmed by Tifosi remains one of the most powerful images etched in his memory.
First Italian Grand Prix with Mercedes
Today, the picture is different. After many years in red, Simone Resta will face the Italian Grand Prix wearing Mercedes colors. It is not only a professional milestone but also an emotional one, representing continuity in a new environment where he has settled quickly. The 2025 season is his first with Mercedes, an experience abroad that he has described as stimulating and rewarding, thanks to a calm working atmosphere and shared passion. The victory in Canada earlier this year strengthened his sense of belonging, standing out as one of the defining moments of the campaign.
A new Italian star on the grid: Kimi Antonelli
This year’s Monza will also feature another special debut: Kimi Antonelli, the only Italian driver on the grid, will contest his first home Grand Prix as a full-time F1 racer. Simone Resta underlined how the anticipation and enthusiasm of the fans could become a psychological test for the 19-year-old, who already experienced huge emotions earlier at Imola. The pressure will be enormous, but so too will the opportunity to show maturity and composure in a unique setting.
Looking ahead to Formula 1’s 2026 challenge
Beyond the emotions of Monza, Resta is also focused on the future. The work carried out on the W16 has already provided valuable insights, and while the team keeps pushing for short-term results, the horizon is firmly set on the new regulations for 2026. Continuing to develop the current car, he explained, is not only about staying competitive now but also an investment in tomorrow’s Formula 1.
For Simone Resta, Monza in 2025 represents far more than just another race. It is a meeting point between childhood memories, Ferrari triumphs, a new adventure with Mercedes, and the challenges that lie ahead in the next era of Formula 1.
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