6 Things to WATCH out for at the Italian Grand Prix

Nico Rosberg may have won at Spa and Lewis Hamilton went from 21st to the podium, but there was only one name on everyone's lips after the Belgian Grand Prix. For all of his hype ahead of the race after qualifying on the front row for the first time, Max Verstappen endured a torrid race day as a turn one clash with Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel set him on a back foot he could never recovered from. However, it was his staunch defence against the Ferraris as they attempted to recover positions that has sparked a debate that will continue to rage this weekend. Firm and fair or aggressive and reckless, opinions were certainly divided over whether the youngster's bold driving style is refreshing or an accident waiting to happen. After all, it's not often you see Raikkonen riled but ahead of the high-speed Monza, Verstappen is under yet more pressure in his bright but much discussed F1 career.

One of the more eye-catching outcomes of the 2016 season has been how quick Manor now is... literally! Having spent its 2015 season trundling round with a 2014 Ferrari unit that was considered underpowered when it was 'new', Manor's deal with Mercedes for 2016 has seen it go from bottom to top in the kmh rankings. Regularly coming out top in the speed traps, though it doesn't necessarily equate to fast laps (blame the corners... or the chassis' foibles), Monza is all power and brakes. Having shown well at Spa, Monza represents Manor's levelest playing field of 2016, making precious points this weekend a real possibility.

No visit to Monza is complete without reminiscing about 'that' lap by Juan Pablo Montoya during qualifying for the 2004 Italian Grand Prix. Averaging 163mph for the entire lap, it was the peak of the low fuel, sticky tyres and bombastic V10 engine era... Indeed, Monza produces the highest average speeds of any circuit, but a measure of the increasing pace of today's V6 Hybrid cars is demonstrated by the fact the highest top speeds in F1 history were reached in Baku this year, while the return to high altitude Mexico could well see that beaten again. With F1 set for an overhaul in 2017, there are some who believe Montoya's Monza record could well be broken after 13 years.

It's no coincidence that James Key is being tipped for bigger F1 teams in the future based on the sterling work he has done with Toro Rosso on the tricky aero side. However, there is only so much his tidy STR11 chassis can produce when it is tethered to an engine which is now comfortably the worst on the grid. Of course, STR recognised there was always a limit it would reach with its year-old Ferrari power unit, but following Renault's strides, Honda's updates and Ferrari's own gains with its latest engine, its drivers are worried a lacklustre Belgian GP is an early sign of tougher times ahead. Monza is likely to bring this into further focus... and comes just as McLaren has moved in the fight for sixth overall.

For a nation so synonymous with Formula 1, it is remarkable to think that Italy hasn't had a homegrown F1 driver to cheer on since Jarno Trulli back in 2011! Indeed, there has been something of a drought in recent years when it comes to promising Italian drivers but the tide could well be turning with the emergence of several exciting talents. Currently, Italians - Antonio Giovinazzi and Raffaele Marciello - make up two of the top three in the GP2 Series and while the latter may have already seen his F1 chance dashed when he was dropped by Ferrari's junior programme, the former is arguably the find of 2016. Already a three-time winner with Prema in his rookie season, Giovinazzi has impressed with his consistent speed and feisty driving style. Then there is Luca Ghiotto, another rookie, who almost beat Esteban Ocon to last year's GP3 title and has stepped on the GP2 podium three times already. Given neither of these drivers are tied into any F1 driver programme, Ferrari might do well to consider snapping up this local talent quickly!

The headlines of 'Italian Grand Prix faces axe' have been frequent for more than 12 months but as we approach the 2016 event there is still no clear indication of whether we will be back in 2017. Recent noises have been more positive as organisers and Bernie Ecclestone attempt to thrash out a new deal for one of the oldest serving venues on the calendar. Indeed, though the similarly loved Imola has stated it would be ready to take on Italian GP hosting duties, the sheer history and fever Monza creates means it would still be a sore loss regardless. As they say, prepare for the worst and hope for the best!