Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on Sunday, September 6, 2026, completing a remarkable comeback from 19th on the grid to become the first Italian driver to win his home race in 60 years.
What Happened?
Antonelli started the race down in 19th position after taking new power unit components, which triggered a grid penalty. Despite the setback, he rapidly carved through the field, reaching P12 before the race was red-flagged following a heavy crash from Charles Leclerc at the final corner. At the restart, Antonelli continued his charge, eventually catching Mercedes teammate and title rival George Russell for the lead with four laps remaining.
How Antonelli Made the Comeback
A mid-race Virtual Safety Car, triggered when Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin stopped on track, allowed Antonelli to pit for fresh medium tyres while Russell stayed out on aging hard tyres. This strategy gap let Antonelli close in on Russell in the closing laps. After briefly running wide in the gravel while attacking, Antonelli recovered to complete the race-winning overtake with three laps remaining, passing Russell on the run to the Ascari chicane.
Why Is This Trending?
The win is trending because it marks the first Italian victory at Monza since 1966, delivered in dramatic fashion from a grid position that appeared to rule Antonelli out of contention before the race even began.
Key Details
- Race: 2026 Italian Grand Prix, Autodromo Nazionale Monza
- Starting position: 19th (due to a power unit grid penalty)
- Finishing position: 1st
- Runner-up: George Russell (Mercedes)
- Third place: Max Verstappen (Red Bull), his fifth podium of 2026
- Significance: First Italian driver to win at Monza since 1966
Antonelli’s 2026 Season
Antonelli, born in Bologna in 2006, made his Formula 1 debut in 2025 and claimed his first win at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix. The Italian Grand Prix victory was his seventh win of the 2026 season, extending his championship lead to 66 points over his nearest rival heading into the remaining races.
What Happens Next?
Formula 1 moves straight into a back-to-back race weekend, heading to Madrid for the Spanish Grand Prix on September 11-13, where Antonelli will look to extend his championship advantage.
FAQs
Q: How did Kimi Antonelli win the Italian Grand Prix from 19th on the grid?
He made rapid progress through the field, benefited from a red flag and a well-timed pit stop under a Virtual Safety Car, and overtook George Russell for the lead with three laps remaining.
Q: Is this the first time an Italian driver has won the Italian Grand Prix in a long time?
Yes, Antonelli is the first Italian driver to win at Monza since 1966.
Q: What is Kimi Antonelli’s championship lead after this win?
He extended his lead to 66 points over his nearest rival following the victory.
Q: Who finished second and third in the Italian Grand Prix?
George Russell finished second and Max Verstappen finished third.
Q: Where is the next Formula 1 race after Monza?
The Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, held September 11-13, 2026.
