Kimi Antonelli Wins Italian Grand Prix From 19th at Monza

Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 Italian Grand Prix after starting 19th, completing a dramatic recovery to lead a Mercedes one-two at Monza. The FIA confirmed that the Italian finished 3.857 seconds ahead of team-mate George Russell, with Red Bull's Max Verstappen third after 53 laps.

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Antonelli began near the back because of a power unit-related grid penalty, but had already climbed to 12th when the race was stopped early. Charles Leclerc crashed his Ferrari at the Curva Alboreto on lap two and emerged unhurt, although damage to the barriers required a red flag, according to the FIA's race report.

After the restart, Antonelli continued through the field and reached the leading group. Formula 1 reported that he passed Oscar Piastri, Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen before overtaking Russell at the first chicane on lap 18. The Mercedes drivers then exchanged positions as Verstappen stayed close enough to remain a threat.

The decisive strategic split came when Lance Stroll's stopped Aston Martin triggered a Virtual Safety Car. Antonelli and Verstappen pitted for fresh tyres, while Russell remained on used hard tyres and took the lead. Antonelli rejoined behind Piastri and Hamilton, cleared both, and began reducing a nine-second gap to his team-mate.

Antonelli's first late attempt on Russell ended with a brief trip through the gravel at the first chicane on lap 49. He recovered and completed the winning pass on lap 50 between Lesmo 2 and the Ascari chicane. Russell could not respond on his older tyres, while Verstappen secured the final podium position 14.718 seconds behind the winner.

The result made 19-year-old Antonelli the first Italian driver to win the Italian Grand Prix since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966. Formula 1 also reported that it was Antonelli's seventh victory of the season and extended his championship lead over Russell to 66 points. Lando Norris finished fourth ahead of McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, while Hamilton was the highest-placed Ferrari driver in sixth.