Lewis Hamilton just grabbed pole position for the 2016 Italian GP, Ferrari is almost a second behind the Mercedes for this GP, and Max Verstappen - still the talk of the track - has made a few errors these past couple of days. Everything is looking good for the Italian Grand Prix and we might have one of the best races of the season ahead of us.

However, let's take a break from the Formula 1 Grand Prix for a second, shall we? As Hamilton pointed out in his defence for Verstappen, driving a Formula 1 car is an absolute thrill; it's easy to get carried away and be too aggressive. Unfortunately, for most of us at least, the F1 driving experience is something we can only imagine. Or is it?

Track Days and Single-Seater Cars

Well, after some digging, we found that it is actually possible to experience what F1 drivers experience on a race weekend; it's at least possible to get really close to that experience. The answer lies in track days at select tracks around the world.

On rare occasions, you can actually take part in track days on famous F1 tracks such as Silverstone and Monza. These tracks are available for the public under special circumstances. During the track day, you can either drive your own car or join one of the OEM experience packages available.

Ferrari, for instance, has a very interesting Ferrari Driving Program on several famous tracks, including the legendary F1 team's home in Modena. You can drive a special version of the Ferrari 458 or hop into a single-seater, slightly less powerful track monster to get the full F1 experience.

There are several circuits in the UK that offer a similar experience, including Castle Combe and Silverstone. The latter is the home of Caterham's Circuit Driver programmes. Yes, you can actually drive a Caterham - with its 500bhp++ per tonne power - around Silverstone.

Preparing for the Track Day

First of all, you don't need the standard F1 Super License to enjoy the thrills of being a Formula 1 driver for a day. Any standard driving license will do. However, you do need to make sure the driving license is valid for the track. You can consult websites such as TopTests for more information on how to pass your theory test, and then hire a practical teacher to give you lessons.

Depending on the programme, you may also need to bring your own car. This can be anything from your everyday sports saloon to a specially-made track-day car that you own. Of course, programmes that provide single-seater cars and other special vehicles only require you to show up at the track with your best driving skills.

Are these programmes worth it?

Absolutely yes! They really help you be as close as you can be to the real Formula 1 racing experience. Some of the programmes, such as the Caterham Circuit Driver we talked about earlier, will get you really close - if not over - Formula 1 speed on the track. Going 140mph through Maggots, shifting down for Becketts, before flooring it through the stretch in Silverstone will be an experience you will never forget indeed. Do you have what it takes to give it a try?