Every September, the engines roar in Monza and Formula 1 fans from all over the world gather in Italy for one of the most exciting races of the season. But before you head to the racetrack, why not make a very different kind of pit stop—right in the heart of Milan?
Why a pit stop in Milan before Monza
Milan is not just fashion and business. It is also the city of Leonardo da Vinci, the man who, centuries before the first Formula 1 car, was already imagining speed, flight, and innovation. Just a short walk from the Duomo, you can find one of the city’s hidden treasures: the Ambrosiana, an extraordinary library and art gallery where Leonardo’s genius still speaks to us today.
Leonardo da Vinci and the idea of speed
Among the countless sketches preserved in the Ambrosiana, Leonardo designed flying machines, hydraulic systems, and studies of motion. In a way, he was the first to dream of velocity—not with engines, but with pure imagination and scientific observation. For fans of Formula 1, it is fascinating to see how the concept of speed has its roots in Leonardo’s Renaissance notebooks.
The Ambrosiana: where Leonardo still lives
At the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana you can admire, among many masterpieces, the Codex Atlanticus, the largest collection of Leonardo’s drawings and writings in the world. Alongside works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Botticelli, and many others, the Ambrosiana offers visitors a unique journey through art, science, and history.
This is not just a museum visit—it’s an encounter with the origins of creativity and innovation, the same spirit that drives Formula 1 today.
Practical info: how to reach us before the race
The Ambrosiana is located in Piazza Pio XI, just a few minutes from Milan’s Cathedral. It is the perfect cultural stop before heading to Monza for the race weekend.
Make sure to book your tickets in advance and give yourself the chance to experience another kind of thrill: the timeless speed of the human mind.
👉 Before the cars take off, meet Leonardo. Your Formula 1 weekend starts here.