The 2026 Italian Grand Prix is leaving a mark beyond the Formula 1 circuit, with Monza’s “Drivers’ Forest” expanding once again through the planting of 22 new trees — one for every driver on the current F1 grid. The initiative combines the heritage of the Italian Grand Prix with a long-term environmental project inside the historic Monza Park.
The “One driver, one tree” programme has now reached its fourth year. The new trees are being planted in the “Bosco Bello” area near the Variante Ascari as part of a collaboration between the Automobile Club d’Italia, Autodromo Nazionale Monza and the Forestry, Environmental and Agri-food Units Command of the Carabinieri.
Monza plants one new tree for every Formula 1 driver
The initiative forms part of the national “A Tree for the Future” programme, which has already resulted in more than 50,000 trees being planted across Italy.
The trees destined for Monza were supplied by the Carabinieri National Biodiversity Centre in Pieve Santo Stefano. The selection focuses primarily on native species considered particularly suitable for creating a resilient ecosystem capable of better withstanding the long-term effects of climate change.
The tree species include Acer campestre, Quercus ilex, Quercus cerris and Fraxinus angustifolia, while Viburnum opulus and Cornus sanguinea were selected among the shrubs.
The ceremony was attended by Automobile Club d’Italia president Geronimo La Russa, Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali, Monza mayor Paolo Pilotto and Brigadier General Raffaele Pio Manicone, commander of the Carabinieri Biodiversity Group.
ACI links Monza circuit investment with protection of the park
Geronimo La Russa stressed that investment in the Autodromo is not limited to sporting infrastructure, with environmental protection also playing an important role in the circuit’s development.
“Continuous investment in the renovation of the Autodromo is also aimed at enhancing the biodiversity of Monza Park and the sustainability of the events it hosts, because the natural heritage of Europe’s largest urban green area must not only be protected, but also promoted and expanded over time,” Geronimo La Russa said.
The initiative is taking place during one of Formula 1’s most distinctive weekends, with Monza once again serving as the centre of Ferrari passion as part of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Stefano Domenicali highlights Formula 1 sustainability strategy
Stefano Domenicali echoed that message, emphasising the place of sustainability within Formula 1’s broader strategy.
“We are truly pleased to see this initiative grow year after year, looking to the future with continuity and responsibility,” Stefano Domenicali said. “Knowing that, once again, the Italian Grand Prix is helping to leave a tangible mark on the local area is a source of great satisfaction.”
The setting of the Autodromo makes the subject particularly significant. Monza Park covers more than 700 hectares and is home to over 1.2 million trees, creating an unusual relationship between one of Formula 1’s most famous circuits and a vast historic green space.
Monza Park continues recovery from severe 2023 storms
Monza mayor Paolo Pilotto also highlighted the work undertaken in recent years to repair the damage caused by five violent storms in July 2023, which severely affected the park’s tree population.
“The initiative is a sign of the shared commitment between the Villa Reale and Park Consortium and the Autodromo Nazionale to try to ensure, on one hand, the protection of the green heritage of the park and the city and, on the other, the technological development of the sporting facility,” Paolo Pilotto explained.
The project therefore aims to allow Monza’s sporting infrastructure to evolve while safeguarding the unique environment surrounding the circuit. That relationship has always helped make the Italian Grand Prix different from most other Formula 1 events, alongside the extraordinary atmosphere generated by Ferrari’s Tifosi at Monza.
Carabinieri emphasise wider value of ‘Drivers’ Forest’ project
General Fabrizio Parrulli, commander of the Forestry, Environmental and Agri-food Units of the Carabinieri, focused on the wider significance of planting new trees and encouraging greater environmental awareness.
“Every tree planted today represents a fundamental piece in strengthening the biodiversity of our natural heritage and in spreading, especially among younger people, a culture of responsibility and respect for the environment,” Fabrizio Parrulli said.
The “Drivers’ Forest” is consequently becoming an increasingly established part of the special relationship between Monza and Formula 1. The circuit sits inside one of Italy’s most important green areas, meaning the development of the sporting facility must necessarily progress alongside the protection and enhancement of the natural environment surrounding it.
With another 22 trees now joining the project during the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, every Formula 1 driver on the grid will once again leave a small but lasting presence inside Monza Park long after the racing weekend has ended.
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