1961 Italian Grand Prix

Championship standings

Von Trips leads Hill by 33 points to 29 heading into Monza. Four drivers remain mathematically in contention: von Trips, Hill, Moss, and Ginther. Realistically, however, the championship has come down to the two Ferrari teammates. Moss could still take the title, but must win both remaining races. In the Constructors’ Championship, Ferrari and Lotus-Climax are both still in mathematical contention; Lotus must win this race and the finale to overtake Ferrari.

Previous race

At the Nürburgring, Moss drove a masterful race to beat von Trips and Hill. His Lotus handled the twisty 14-mile circuit better than the more powerful Ferraris, and he extended his lead in the closing laps as rain fell. Moss then went on a run of three consecutive non-championship victories — in Sweden, Denmark, and at Modena — and arrives at Monza in strong form.

Between-race developments

The Modena Grand Prix was held at the Aerautodromo near Ferrari’s headquarters. Italian driver Giulio Cabianca, who competed in several non-championship Formula One races this season, was killed during a test session at the same circuit.

Championship permutations

Von Trips leads Hill by four points with two races remaining, and only the best five results count. Von Trips needs to prevent Hill from outscoring him significantly here to clinch the title at Monza.

Milestones

Wolfgang von Trips takes pole position — the first for a German driver in World Championship history, and the only pole of his career. Ricardo Rodríguez makes his Formula One World Championship debut at 19, becoming the youngest driver ever to start a World Championship race and the first Mexican driver to do so.

Entrants

The organisers have returned to the full 10-kilometre Monza circuit, using both the road course and the banked oval. The British teams boycotted this combination in 1960, citing the dangerously rough concrete banking which damaged chassis and suspension. They have relented and all are competing this year. A 115% cutoff rule against the second-fastest qualifier is in force; 37 cars attempted to qualify with 32 making the grid.

Rodríguez takes the fourth Ferrari works seat. Giancarlo Baghetti reappears in a privately entered Ferrari. Moss was unhappy with his Lotus 18 and Innes Ireland offered him the factory Lotus 21.

Practice

Von Trips takes pole with Rodríguez alongside on the front row. Ginther qualifies third and Phil Hill fourth. Graham Hill and Baghetti share the third row.