Kimi Antonelli makes Italian GP history with stunning Monza comeback

Kimi Antonelli delivered one of the standout drives of the 2026 Formula 1 season by winning the Italian Grand Prix at Monza after starting from 19th on the grid. The Mercedes driver fought his way through the field before defeating team-mate George Russell in a tense battle for victory.

Antonelli started at the back after taking a grid penalty linked to a power-unit change that exceeded his season allocation. Despite the disadvantage, the 20-year-old Italian quickly moved through the field and became a serious contender for the win.

The race was interrupted by an early red flag following Charles Leclerc’s heavy crash, which brought the field together again. Antonelli used the restart and subsequent battles to continue his charge towards the front.

Late battle with Russell

The biggest fight came between the two Mercedes drivers. Russell led for significant portions of the race, while Antonelli repeatedly challenged his team-mate.

Antonelli eventually made the decisive move with three laps remaining to take the lead and secure victory. Russell finished second, giving Mercedes a one-two finish at its championship leader's home race.

Antonelli extends championship lead

The victory further strengthened Antonelli's position at the top of the 2026 drivers' championship. Russell's second-place finish leaves him behind his team-mate as the Mercedes drivers continue their title battle.

Max Verstappen completed the podium in third, followed by McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Antonelli's win was particularly significant because he became the first Italian driver to win the Italian Grand Prix since Lodovico Scarfiotti's victory in 1966. His victory ended a six-decade wait for an Italian home winner at Monza.

Ferrari suffers difficult home race

Ferrari endured a disappointing home weekend. Charles Leclerc crashed out early in the race after losing control at the Parabolica, triggering the red flag, while Lewis Hamilton finished sixth.

Antonelli's Monza victory is significant on two levels. The recovery from 19th demonstrates his ability to manage a difficult race from the back of the grid, while the late victory over Russell adds another important chapter to Mercedes' internal championship battle.

The result also gives Antonelli valuable momentum in the title fight. Starting from the back because of a power-unit penalty, he converted what initially looked like a major disadvantage into a home victory and further increased the pressure on his closest championship rival.